While for months the “Flamingo Revolution” unfolded peacefully, during October the protests took another direction, with the involvement of students and the escalation of the situation. The movement, which initially arose to demand improved conditions at universities, expanded its objectives after the clashes of 13 October, placing the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama at the center of its demands as well.
Students have repeatedly declared that the removal of the head of government is a non-negotiable demand, refusing the offers for dialogue made by the majority. During the gatherings, slogans such as “Rama resign”, “No youth, no Albania”, “Students demand revolution” and “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison” were repeated.
Alongside the protests in the streets of Tirana, students have continued the boycott of classes, while teachers, parents and citizens from various cities of Albania have joined this movement. However, in some universities the teaching process has returned to normal.
At recent gatherings, organizers have called for the widest possible participation, emphasizing that they will not give up their demands. On the other hand, Prime Minister Edi Rama has continued to express readiness for dialogue, but so far this offer has not changed the students’ stance, who continue to demand his resignation.