It is 6pm on Wednesday when a few hundred Albanians gather outside Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana. Some protesters make speeches as others are arriving with posters and flags.
Around half an hour later, the demonstration starts moving towards Prime Minister Edi Rama’s residence in the heart of the Albanian capital. Along the way, vendors sell Albanian flags, Albania‑themed scarves, whistles and traditional qeleshe hats.
Outside the prime minister’s office, the crowd grows into thousands, stretching for almost a kilometre along the central boulevard. People are singing, screaming, blowing whistles and beating drums.
One of their key slogans: “Edi Rama ka mbaru” - Edi Rama, the Albanian prime minister, is finished.
By 9pm, the protesters start marching through Tirana’s city centre, causing many cars to get stuck in traffic. Most drivers don’t seem to mind - and instead wave Albanian flags, cheer the protesters on or honk in support. Some climb onto their cars to wave Albanian flags.
