Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted on Sunday to the protests that have been taking place in Tirana for 21 consecutive days, sharing a citizen’s social media post and expressing his views on the participation of Albanians from Kosovo and North Macedonia in political demonstrations in Albania.

In his statement, Rama emphasized that Albanians in North Macedonia cannot be considered part of Albania’s diaspora, arguing that they are a state-forming people in their own country. He also noted that Albanians in Kosovo have their own independent state.

The prime minister criticized those who, according to him, presented themselves at the protest as “diaspora” from Kosovo and North Macedonia, claiming that the use of national symbols in this context serves a political purpose and harms the image of Albanians across the region.

Rama also leveled accusations against the organizers and supporters of the protest, alleging that funds were being spent to transport demonstrators to Tirana. He added that such actions would have no impact on his government’s mandate.

In his remarks, the prime minister also objected to the use of the UÇK (Kosovo Liberation Army) flag during the protest, describing it as a misuse of the symbolism of the liberation struggle for political purposes.

At the end of his message, Rama called for the name of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti not to be linked to developments surrounding the protests in Tirana. He stated that he does not hold Kurti responsible for specific individuals or groups who have taken part in the demonstrations, adding that such an interpretation would be mistaken.

The prime minister’s reaction comes as the protests in Tirana enter their third week, amid intense political tensions and mutual accusations between the governing majority and the opposition.