Sidorela Vatnikaj

“I have seen my mother and father's generation, working all their lives and dreaming of having a democratic society where they could live with dignity. That never happened,”

Sidorela Vatnikaj · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-20

Vatnikaj reflected on her parents' generation, who worked all their lives dreaming of a democratic society with dignity that never materialized.

“When I see people throwing stones at the police, I understand their anger. I don't judge them. I'm not happy, but they have no other way to be listened to,”

Sidorela Vatnikaj · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-20

Vatnikaj said she understands protesters' anger toward police, though she is uncomfortable with the violence.

“In the morning, you try to co-ordinate with all the groups - where they are, and where the protest is taking place. If any lawyers are needed, if any first aid kit or any kind of equipment is needed. And you also have to make sure all your friends, your family members in the protest are OK.”

Sidorela Vatnikaj · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-20

Activist Sidorela Vatnikaj, an experienced anti-government protester, described her typical day coordinating protest groups.

“We need a technocratic government for one year, to prepare the country for real, democratic elections,”

Sidorela Vatnikaj · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-20

Vatnikaj called for a technocratic government for one year to prepare Albania for democratic elections, in response to Rama's rhetorical question about stepping down.

“They come from families whose family members had no other choice than to leave the country - a million in the past decade. They have not only been robbed, they have been bullied, ignored and now they they have also been beaten up.”

Sidorela Vatnikaj · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-20

Vatnikaj described the plight of families whose members had no choice but to leave Albania over the past decade.