Tirana appeared emptier than usual in the hours before the next protest, with limited movement on the streets and businesses choosing to protect their premises. The sight of the capital signals a tense wait as the protest enters its sixth day.
Low traffic and protective measures at businesses
In several areas of the capital, citizen movement was seen to be reduced, while some businesses installed metal barriers and other protective measures at their premises.
This picture comes on the eve of the sixth protest, a development that is also clearly affecting the usual pace of movement in Tirana.
The protest enters its sixth day
Sunday marks the sixth day of the protest launched by students, who have also been joined by other citizens.
The increased presence of participants shows that the gathering has not remained only a student reaction, but is also drawing broader support in the public space.
Gathering near the Ministry of Education
Today as well, protesters have begun gathering near the Ministry of Education. In the area, young people can be seen with and without masks, holding national flags in their hands.
Calls for the prime minister’s resignation were heard from the crowd, once again placing the protest in an openly political framework and not only a social or educational one.
An unusual start in front of the police
Unlike previous days, today’s protest also began with an unusual scene: several young people danced and sang in the middle of the road, in front of police officers.
The image creates a contrast with the visible precautions in the city and with the atmosphere of anticipation that preceded the gathering.
The morning calm in Tirana cannot hide the tension that preceded the next gathering.
With businesses closed behind metal barriers and protesters gathering again in the center, the capital enters another day of testing for public order and the institutional response.