2025–2026 Albanian opposition protests
| 2025-2026 Albanian opposition protests | ||||
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![]() PD protesters on 17 April 2026, at the Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard | ||||
| Date | 17 November 2025 – 8 May 2026 (5 months, 3 weeks and 1 day) | |||
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| Result | No political changes; inconclusive.[1]
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The 2025–2026 Albanian opposition protests were a series of anti-government demonstrations in Albania, held mainly in Tirana, against Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Rama government. The protests followed opposition allegations of irregularities in the 2025 Albanian parliamentary election and intensified after corruption proceedings involving Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku. The main opposition Democratic Party and its allies demanded Rama's resignation, a technocratic government and new elections, while other political movements, including Shqipëria Bëhet and Lëvizja Bashkë, organized separate anti-government demonstrations.
The protests varied in scale from small gatherings in front of the Prime Minister's Office and Parliament to larger marches and violent confrontations with police. Several demonstrations included the use of Molotov cocktails, fireworks, flares and pyrotechnics against police or public buildings, while police responded in some cases with tear gas, water cannon and barriers. The protest wave resulted in injuries, arrests and criminal proceedings against demonstrators, including minors.
After the final demonstration on 8 May, the party-led campaign was superseded by the broader, citizen-led Flamingo Revolution, which began later that month and received support from all major parliamentary opposition parties while remaining independent of party leadership.[2][3][4]
Background
2025 parliamentary election
In May 2025, Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Socialist Party won a fourth consecutive term in the 2025 Albanian parliamentary election.[19] The result was disputed by the opposition, led by former prime minister Sali Berisha, which alleged vote buying, misuse of state resources and irregularities in the diaspora vote. International observers described the elections as competitive and professionally managed, but also reported that contestants did not enjoy a level playing field and cited concerns over misuse of public resources, pressure on public employees, intimidation, vote buying and ballot secrecy.[20]
The Democratic Party framed the election result as illegitimate and used the post-election period to call for anti-government mobilization. Berisha and other opposition figures linked their protests to wider accusations of corruption, state capture and the concentration of power under Rama.
Belinda Balluku corruption case
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In October 2025, Albania's Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime opened proceedings against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku over alleged violations of public procurement rules, including tenders connected to the Llogara Tunnel and other infrastructure projects.[21] Prosecutors alleged that Balluku had interfered in the awarding of public contracts worth more than €200 million; Balluku denied wrongdoing.[22]
In November 2025, the Special Court suspended Balluku from public office and imposed restrictions on her movement while the case continued.[23] Rama initially criticized the suspension and announced plans to limit the judiciary's ability to suspend ministers under investigation, a proposal criticized by the opposition as an attempt to weaken judicial independence.[24] On 26 February 2026, Rama dismissed Balluku as part of a cabinet reshuffle while the corruption investigation continued.[25]
Other political disputes
During the same period, opposition parties also criticized government policies on public spending, social inequality, infrastructure projects, and the adoption of a new gender equality law. In November 2025, Parliament adopted a new Gender Equality Law that expanded protections against discrimination and included provisions related to gender identity.[26] Opposition figures criticized parts of the law, arguing that it conflicted with traditional family values.[27]
Timeline
Protests by the Democratic Party and Shqipëria Bëhet
November 2025
17 November 2025: The Democratic Party held a protest in front of the Prime Minister's Office under the slogan "Let's save Albania", demanding accountability over the Balluku case and broader corruption allegations.[28] The turnout was reported as low compared with later demonstrations.[29]
December 2025
8 December 2025 – 25 March 2026: Adriatik Lapaj, leader of Shqipëria Bëhet, began a sit-in protest in front of the Prime Minister's Office. The protest lasted 108 days and was presented by the movement as a non-party civic action against corruption and misgovernance. During the protest period, Lapaj and other activists were subjected to criminal proceedings.[30]
18 December 2025: Opposition lawmakers, mainly from the Democratic Party, disrupted a parliamentary session amid escalating tensions over the Balluku case and other corruption allegations. They occupied ministerial seats, scuffled with guards and set off flares inside Parliament.[31][32]
22 December 2025: Thousands of protesters gathered on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard and near the Prime Minister's Office. The protest followed corruption charges related to Balluku and other officials, and demonstrators called for government accountability.[33] The protest included incidents involving Molotov cocktails, one of which reportedly injured a participant.[34] Four people were arrested.
January 2026
24 January 2026: Thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Prime Minister's Office. Demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks toward the building, while police maintained a large security presence.[35] The protest followed recent controversies, including a fire at the "5 Maji" market, which Berisha linked to corruption and real estate interests.[36] Al Jazeera reported that the protest turned violent and that arrests were made as the opposition accused Rama and his allies of corruption.[37]
February 2026
10 February 2026: A large anti-government protest in Tirana turned violent as demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails, flares and fireworks near the Prime Minister's Office and Parliament. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds.[38] At least 13 people were arrested, including seven minors, and several people were injured.[39][40]
20 February 2026: Protesters marched from the Prime Minister's Office toward Parliament and other government buildings. Demonstrators threw petrol bombs, fireworks and stones, while police responded with tear gas and water cannon.[41][42] Eighteen people were arrested, including two minors.[43] During the protest, Enver Hoxha's former residence, Villa 31, was attacked and partially set on fire; Rama condemned the attack as barbaric.[44] Molotov cocktails were also thrown near the Namazgah Mosque, disrupting Iftar.[45]
March 2026
22 March 2026: About 1,500 police officers were deployed in Tirana ahead of another opposition protest. Demonstrators used Molotov cocktails, fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, and clashes spread from the Prime Minister's Office to other public institutions, including the AKSHI building, Tirana Municipality, nearby ministries, Parliament and the Socialist Party headquarters.[46] A police vehicle was set on fire. During the protest, Berisha was temporarily affected by spray thrown toward him and briefly left the protest before returning.[47] Fifteen people were arrested and later released.[48]
April 2026
17 April 2026: Protesters clashed with police near the Prime Minister's Office and Parliament. Police blocked protesters from reaching Parliament, and security forces used tear gas and water cannon while protesters threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks.[49] The protest also marked the return of speeches by Democratic Party leaders during demonstrations.[50] Berisha left shortly after tensions began and was escorted away by his bodyguards.[51] A police officer was hospitalized with burns and head trauma, while Democratic Party MPs and activists, including Luçiano Boçi, Aulon Kalaja and Klevis Balliu, were also reported injured.[52] Eleven protesters were arrested.[53]
May 2026
8 May 2026: The Democratic Party held another protest in Tirana, with reported turnout lower than in previous demonstrations.[54] At the beginning of the protest, participants held a moment of silence for two children recently killed by a drunk driver. Protesters later clashed with police near the Ministry of Internal Affairs after police blocked a march toward the ministries. Molotov cocktails were thrown at police, injuring three officers, and police used tear gas and water cannon.[55][56] The Prime Minister's Office was not attacked during this protest.[57]
Protests by Lëvizja Bashkë
December 2025
11 December 2025: Lëvizja Bashkë staged a protest in front of the Albanian Parliament against the 2026 state budget, arguing that it increased inequality, favored oligarchic interests and promoted luxury tower construction.[58]
18 December 2025: Lëvizja Bashkë and other activists assembled in front of Parliament following the Constitutional Court's tied decision regarding Balluku's suspension. No major incidents were reported.[59]
January 2026
9 January 2026: Lëvizja Bashkë held a protest in front of the Durrës Municipality building after major flooding in the city. Protesters demanded the declaration of a state of emergency, an investigation into the malfunctioning of the second pumping station, and accountability for the death of a municipal worker swept away by floodwaters.[60]
19 January 2026: Lëvizja Bashkë held another protest in front of Parliament, demanding government accountability, Balluku's resignation and transparency in public tenders. Protesters used the slogan "Hand over Belinda!"[61]
April 2026
14 April 2026: A small number of Lëvizja Bashkë activists assembled in front of the Palace of Congresses in Tirana while the Socialist Party was holding a diaspora summit. The activists protested against corruption and the Balluku case, and confrontations occurred with police.[62]
Reactions
Domestic
Rama Government – Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the use of Molotov cocktails, fireworks and flares during Democratic Party protests, arguing that the demonstrations were not peaceful civic protests but politically organized acts of violence against public institutions. In March 2026, he dismissed violent protesters as "mercenaries" recruited by local political actors.[63]
Movement for National Development – Dashamir Shehi, leader of the Movement for National Development, criticized the Democratic Party-led protests and argued that frequent demonstrations were serving primarily to prolong Berisha's political role. He also said that protests could not be held every week without a broader strategy.[64]
Environmentalist Agrarian Party – Agron Duka, leader of the Environmentalist Agrarian Party, said that frequent protests did not produce results and argued that demonstrations should reflect genuine public anger rather than only party agendas.[65] Despite this criticism, Duka's party continued to cooperate with the Democratic Party and opposition allies.[6]
Djathtas 1912 – Enkelejd Alibeaj, leader of Djathtas 1912 and a former Democratic Party MP, criticized the protests led by Berisha. He said that "protests with Berisha do not bring any change" and described them as a repetition of previous opposition tactics.[66]
International
European Union – The European Union Delegation in Albania condemned violence during the protests and stated that, although peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, violence "cannot be justified" and political actors should distance themselves from it.[67]
Aftermath
The protests were followed by elections for the leadership of the Democratic Party, which were held on 23 May. Berisha was the only candidate after the disqualification of former MP Ervin Salianji, MP Alesia Balliu, Mereme Sela, Vladimir Mulaj and Evi Kokalari.[68] He was officially reelected as chairman, with 37341 votes for him.[69]
Flamingo Revolution
Following the demonstration of 8 May, political mobilization shifted away from the earlier party-led campaign. Later that month, protests against a proposed tourism development near Zvërnec and the Vjosa–Nartë Protected Landscape expanded into the Flamingo Revolution, a substantially larger grassroots movement that combined environmental demands with broader opposition to the Rama government.[2]
The movement superseded the earlier opposition protests as the principal anti-government mobilization in Albania. Although its organizers emphasized its civic and non-partisan character and resisted attempts by established parties to assume control, it received support from all major parliamentary opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and its ASHM allies, the Opportunity Party, Lëvizja Bashkë and Lëvizja Shqipëria Bëhet.[2][3][4]
See also
Notes
References
- ↑ "Protests won't alter political balance, but show systemic problems with Albania's democracy". European Western Balkans. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Kucharski, Michał (23 June 2026). "The Flamingo Revolution: anti-government protests in Albania". Centre for Eastern Studies. Archived from the original on 13 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Protestat për Zvërnecin, cilat janë partitë që e mbështesin?". VNA (in Albanian). 2 June 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Berisha ndryshon mendje, bëhet me protestuesit dhe nis kritikat për investimin në Zvërnec". Top Channel (in Albanian). 7 June 2026. Archived from the original on 25 June 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "PROTESTA E 22 DHJETORIT/ Berisha me aleatët: Kjo është një diktaturë më e egër se në '91-in! "AKSHI-GATE", rrëmbyen 3 persona, për Gerond Meçen ..." Ora News. Archived from the original on 17 April 2026. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Protesta e 17 prillit, aleatët e PD-së takojnë Berishën". Euronews Albania. Archived from the original on 17 April 2026. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "Protesta e 22 marsit, Tedi Blushi: Mjaft më me një pushtet që sillet si pronar i Shqipërisë!". BalkanWeb. Archived from the original on 29 April 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "VIDEO/ Çfarë ndodhi? Mediu përshëndetet me Berishën dhe largohet nga protesta". Versus.al. Archived from the original on 29 April 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "Artur Roshi: Protesta e 20 Shkurtit, prova e forcës së opozitës përballë propagandës së pushtetit". Kundër.al. Archived from the original on 10 March 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ ""Do jetë 2-fish më agresive se ajo e 10 shkurtit", Nard Ndoka 'zbulon' skenarët e protestës së Berishës". Gazeta Tema. Archived from the original on 25 April 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "Kujtim Gjuzi i bashkohet protestës: Do përsërisim 2017-ën". BoldNews.al. Archived from the original on 18 April 2026. Retrieved 18 April 2026.
- ↑ "Berisha e ftoi në protestë, Lapaj "vendos" kusht: Pa logo partish do dal dhe unë". Zëri.
- ↑ "Nga Berisha te Qori e Shehaj, Lapaj i fton për protestë: Ju pres në shesh". Pamfleti.
- ↑ "Vangjel Dule 'sulmon' Qeverinë: Jeni kapur me dashin e kopesë në kurriz! E keni kthyer korrupsionin në instrument të politikës së jashtme". Shqiptarja.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "Axhami: Duhet protestë e përbashkët për të rrezuar Ramën". Gazeta Atdheu. Archived from the original on 17 January 2026. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ ""Lëvizja Bashkë" protestë para Kuvendit". Koha Jonë. Archived from the original on 12 January 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
- ↑ "Albania, molotov contro il palazzo del governo nella protesta anti-corruzione". La Repubblica. Archived from the original on 28 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ "FOTO/ Lëvizja Bashkë protestë para Parlamentit, thirrje maxhorancës socialiste: Dorëzoni Belindën!". Gazeta Panorama. Archived from the original on 30 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ "Albania's Rama wins historic fourth term, opposition says vote stolen". Reuters. 13 May 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Albania's parliamentary elections competitive and professionally managed, but lacked a level playing field". OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. 23 October 2025. Archived from the original on 18 June 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Albania's Deputy PM Investigated for Violating Public Procurement Rules". Balkan Insight. 31 October 2025. Archived from the original on 27 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "The probe into corruption at the heart of Albania's government". Reuters. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Albania Suspends Deputy PM Balluku in Major Tender Probe". Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. 24 November 2025. Archived from the original on 5 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Albanian PM seeks to stop judiciary from suspending ministers". Reuters. 16 February 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Albanian PM fires deputy as corruption investigation heats up". Reuters. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Kur ligji rishpik gjininë: Nga Konventa e Stambollit te kaosi normativ në Shqipëri". Top Channel. 24 November 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Ligji për barazinë gjinore/ Pano për Report Tv: I janë hapur dyert të paktën 5 ose 7 gjinive! Pepa: Mbrohet puna e grave, ligji njeh vetëm burrë dhe grua". Shqiptarja.com.
- ↑ ""Let's save Albania", DP announces the date of the protest in front of the Prime Minister's Office: Lubi Balluku's turn to go to jail". Vox News Agency. Archived from the original on 16 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Why Albania's Latest Opposition Protest Struggled: Low Turnout, Weak Agenda, and a Fading Mobilization Strategy". Oculus News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Adriatik Lapaj is being prosecuted". CNA. Archived from the original on 12 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Albanian parliament erupts over corruption allegations against deputy PM". Reuters. 18 December 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Albanian lawmakers scuffle, set off flares during parliament session". Associated Press. 18 December 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Corruption charges spark protests against Albanian government". Reuters. 22 December 2025. Archived from the original on 24 December 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ ""Nuk ndalemi deri në largimin e Ramës"/ Tubimi mbyllet me incidente, merr flakë një protestues!". TV Klan. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Protesta e opozitës në Tiranë degjeneroi në dhunë, molotovë, gaz lotsjellës dhe përplasje me Policinë". Hashtag.al. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Albania's Democratic Party calls for nationwide protest on January 24". Albanian Daily News. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Clashes erupt at antigovernment protest in Albanian capital Tirana". Al Jazeera English. 25 January 2026. Archived from the original on 10 June 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Violence breaks out at anti-government protest in Albanian capital". Associated Press. 10 February 2026. Archived from the original on 2 July 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Antigovernment protests in Albania turn violent, at least 13 arrested". Al Jazeera English. 11 February 2026. Archived from the original on 18 June 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Molotov to Police, court releases 7 minors arrested in opposition protest". Vox News Agency. Archived from the original on 10 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Graft allegations spark clashes in Albania between police and protesters". Reuters. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Clashes in Albania as protesters demand PM Rama resign". Al Jazeera English. 21 February 2026. Archived from the original on 17 June 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Protesta e 20 shkurtit/ Dalin sot në gjykatë 18 protestuesit e ndaluar, mes tyre 2 të mitur". Syri. Archived from the original on 21 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Enver Hoxha's former villa on fire, Bardhi explains why they attacked the building with Molotov cocktails". Vox News Agency. Archived from the original on 19 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Hodhën molotovë drejt Xhamisë, dhëndri Malltezi dhe Noka 'inspektojnë' dëmet që shkaktuan militantët (VIDEO)". Shqiptarja.com. Archived from the original on 9 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Opposition protest in Tirana marked by tensions near government institutions". Radio Televizioni Shqiptar. Archived from the original on 24 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Iu hodh spray në sy, Berisha flet në mbyllje të protestës: Ishte një akt i shëmtuar, por…". Top Channel. Archived from the original on 27 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "U arrestuan në protestën e opozitës, lirohen 15 protestuesit". Ora News. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Opposition protest in Tirana sees escalation on main boulevard after speech". Radio Televizioni Shqiptar. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "PD rikthen fjalimet, gazetari Ardit Hoxha zbardh detaje nga protesta e opozitës". Euronews Albania. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Menjëherë pas nisjes së tensioneve, truprojat fusin me shpejtësi Berishën në makinë, largohet nga protesta". Top Channel. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Tre orë protestë, lëndohen tre deputetë të PD. Boçi, Balliu dhe aktivisti Aulon Kalaja përfundojnë në spital. Berisha sfidon Ramën: Nëse s'vjen në gjyq…". Top Channel. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Opposition protest/ Police provide details: We arrested 11 protesters, Klevis Balliu and Aulon Kalaja are being prosecuted". Vox News Agency. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "'Squllet' protesta e PD, pjesëmarrja më e ulët! Policia s'lejon marshimin drejt ministrive, i 'rrethon' në Bulevard! Militantët u hedhin molotovë, shpërndahen me ujë e spraj". Shqiptarja.com. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Protesta e opozitës, Policia e Tiranës: U lënduan 3 efektivë nga hedhja e molotovëve, procedohen penalisht 7 protestues". Radio Televizioni Shqiptar. Archived from the original on 10 May 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "VIDEO/ Përplasje pranë Ministrisë së Brendshme, policia nuk lejoi marshimin, hidhet molotovë! Ujë dhe gaz lotsjellës në drejtim të protestuesve". Gazeta Panorama. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Mbyllet protesta e opozitës, përplasje mes policisë dhe protestuesve! Molotovë dhe gazlotsjellës". Euronews Albania. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Arlind Qori protestë përpara Kuvendit, aktivistët e 'Lëvizja Bashkë' kundër Ramës dhe buxhetit 2026 (VIDEO)". Shqiptarja.com. Archived from the original on 10 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Rikthimi i Ballukut në detyrë nga Kushtetuesja, 'Lëvizja Bashkë' protestë para Kuvendit (VIDEO)". Shqiptarja.com. Archived from the original on 15 February 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Lëvizja Bashkë proteston para bashkisë së Durrësit, kërkon hetim për hidrovorin dhe shpalljen e gjendjes së jashtëzakonshme". BalkanWeb. Archived from the original on 5 July 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "VIDEO/ "Hand over Belinda!", "Together" Movement protests in front of the Parliament against poverty and theft". BalkanWeb. Archived from the original on 12 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "'Lufta kundër korrupsionit'/ Aktivistët e 'Lëvizja Bashkë' protestojnë jashtë samitit: O me Belindën, o me BE". Gazeta Sot. Archived from the original on 18 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ ""PD e ka dhunën pjesë të sajën"/ Rama: Mercenarë të rekrutuar me lekë nga rrugaçët e lagjeve... Plaku i lajthitur i organizon..." Ora News. Archived from the original on 7 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Dash Shehi "shpërthen" ndaj demokratëve: Nuk bëhen protesta javë për javë! Jeni budallenj nëse..." Gazeta Tema. Archived from the original on 27 April 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ ""Frequent protests do not yield results", Duka: Rallies should be organized when there is civic anger, not just when the DP structures want them to". BalkanWeb. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Enkelejd Alibeaj: Protestat me Berishën nuk sjellin asgjë ndryshim". Gazeta Tema. Archived from the original on 15 January 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Opposition Protest, EU Delegation Reacts to Euronews Albania: Violence Cannot Be Justified". Euronews Albania. Archived from the original on 22 June 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Komisioni zgjedhor në PD skualifikon kandidatët Mereme Sela e Vladimir Mulaj, Berisha i vetëm në garë për kryetar partie". Top Channel.
- ↑ "Berisha rizgjidhet kryetar i PD-së, kryedemokrati: Rezultat historik". TV Klan. Archived from the original on 24 May 2026. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
