Thousands of citizens demand his resignation, Rama mocks protesters; publishes the “resignation” manifesto

Instead of a political response to the dissatisfaction raised over the past 27 days, Rama chose to address the protest with irony and mockery through a social media post.

Prime Minister Edi Rama responded with sarcasm to protesters who have been gathering daily for 27 days in the square to demand the government’s resignation and political change. Instead of addressing the demands expressed by citizens, Rama shared on social media a message suggesting his resignation, but only in 2030, turning the debate into irony.

For 27 days, thousands of citizens have filled the square in front of the Prime Minister’s Office and streets in Tirana, while the protest has also spread beyond the country’s borders. Albanians in various European countries, the United States, and Canada have organized rallies where they have voiced complaints against the government and the old political class.

In the post shared by Rama, it is written that “what most troubles governance is arrogance and the so-called science of know-it-alls,” but it then lists as reasons for resignation what the prime minister has repeatedly presented as government achievements, such as tourism growth, airports, the opening of EU negotiations, investments, salary increases, and Albania’s international standing.

The message ends with the call: “Resign… in 2030,” while Rama accompanied the post with the comment that he “fully understands” the request and “humbly accepts it,” wishing followers a calm day.

The prime minister’s reaction comes as protesters have entered the fourth week of mobilization and have declared that they will continue the protest until their demands are met. Instead of a political response to the dissatisfaction raised over these 27 days, Rama chose to address the protest with irony and mockery through a social media post.

It is worth noting that yesterday, the government led by Edi Rama declared Kosovo citizen Ikballe Huduti “non grata,” who had participated in the protest in front of the Prime Minister’s Office. The Ministry of Interior stated that the decision was taken for national security reasons, while public statements included claims of her links to Iranian influence networks.

This is not the first time the prime minister has attempted to shift the debate away from protesters’ demands toward the identity of participants or alleged external influences. In his public statements, references have been made at times to “Greeks,” at times to “Iranians,” at times to “Russians,” while in another instance Rama attributed the mobilization to the role of social media algorithms, refusing to take responsibility for 13 years of governance.

“KORÇA BOOM”