AACL BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ PUBLIC DECLARATION ON THE SITUATION IN ALBANIA

July 10, 2026

For more than three decades, the Albanian American Civic League (AACL), under the

leadership of Joe DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi—longtime advocates for the

human and national rights of the Albanian people—has remained steadfast in its

mission to promote democracy, defend human rights, and advance the interests of

Albanians wherever they live.

The AACL firmly stands with leaders and public officials who uphold Albanian national

interests and oppose those whose actions undermine them. Throughout our history, we

have consistently defended the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the right of

citizens to shape the future of their country through peaceful and democratic means.

The Civic League is closely following the ongoing peaceful and patriotic demonstrations

taking place throughout Albania, where citizens are calling for the resignation of Prime

Minister Edi Rama while demanding greater government accountability, transparency,

and democratic reform. These protests are not directed against legitimate American or

other foreign investments.

Based on numerous credible reports, during the past twelve years the government of

Prime Minister Rama has operated a corrupt and non-transparent system that has used

the country’s resources to benefit only certain domestic and international oligarchs. At

the same time, large numbers of Albania’s young people have been forced to leave the

country in search of better opportunities. Furthermore, the government has failed to

defend and advance Albania’s national interests in the region, subordinating elements of

its foreign policy to the interests of the Serbian hegemonic regime led by Aleksandar

Vučić.

For more than a month, the youth and the majority of the people of Albania have made

it clear that Albania is not for sale. They have lost confidence in the current government

and no longer believe that the same officials responsible for the present situation are

capable of delivering meaningful reform. They are calling for the establishment of a

temporary technical government composed of respected, nonpartisan professionals to

lead the country and prepare it for extraordinary elections within one year.

We likewise call on all parties to reject violence and extremism in every form so that this

movement remains what it has been from the beginning: a peaceful and democratic

expression of the people’s will. We also strongly urge the organizers of these protests to

reject and immediately remove any individuals or groups pursuing foreign or extremist

agendas who may attempt to exploit the situation for their own purposes.

Finally, the Albanian American Civic League calls on the international community to

recognize the legitimate concerns of the people of Albania and to support their right to

protest peacefully and seek democratic change through lawful and nonviolent means.

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Fjalë kyçe: Albanian American Civic League, Albanian national interests, Joe DioGuardi, peaceful and patriotic demonstrations, resignation of Prime Minister, Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi