As thousands of Albanians gathered in front of the Prime Minister’s Office in what organizers described as an unprecedented mass protest, reports emerged of provocations by still-unidentified groups operating on the sidelines of the demonstration.
As some individuals approached the crowd, activists leading the protest suspected they could be supporters of the counter-rally attempting to provoke confrontations. Organizers immediately urged participants not to react and to remain focused on their demands for the government’s resignation.
Witnesses reported seeing some citizens running along the boulevard while others followed, creating moments of confusion. However, protest organizers quickly intervened and repeatedly called for calm.
“Stay united, the protest is here, the citizens are here. Don’t fall for provocations. Gather here with us. We are demanding the resignation of the government. Let’s sing the National Anthem,” one activist said through a megaphone.
Following the appeal, many protesters remained gathered in the square and joined together in singing Albania’s National Anthem.
