Prime Minister Edi Rama has recently alleged that ongoing protests in Albania are organized and financed by organized crime and the movement known as “Antifa.” These claims have drawn criticism and skepticism regarding their factual basis and political motivation. Regarding the mention of Antifa, critics point out that the term refers to a decentralized, radical, anti-fascist political movement rather than a formal organization with a central leadership, budget, or membership structure. Because it lacks institutional hierarchy, observers argue it is incapable of coordinating protests or social movements in Albania, where the ideology has little public recognition. Analysts suggest that the Prime Minister’s focus on Antifa is a rhetorical strategy intended to align his political narrative with the views of Donald Trump, who has frequently characterized the movement as a radical threat. The Prime Minister’s assertion that organized crime is behind the protests has also been met with counter-arguments. Critics contend that organized crime groups in Albania have historically maintained close ties with political power structures rather than opposition movements. They argue that the current model of urban development, characterized by high-rise construction and elite resorts, serves as a primary vehicle for money laundering. Consequently, these groups are viewed as beneficiaries of the current administration’s policies, making them unlikely to support protests that challenge that economic model. The Prime Minister’s rhetoric has been described by observers as a projection of political instability. By attributing civil unrest to external, illicit, or extremist forces, the government seeks to delegitimize domestic dissent. This approach is being compared to historical political patterns where leaders facing internal pressure characterize their opposition through the lens of the very threats they are accused of harboring themselves.