By Lutfi Dervishi
On December 8, 1990, students left the classrooms and took to the streets in protests that marked the beginning of the end of 45 years of dictatorship. With the slogans freedom and democracy, the students demanded political pluralism and democracy. They were strongly supported by the rest of the population.
Albania in 1990, with a population of 3.2 million, was exhausted but young and ready for change.
Today, in 2024, Albania faces a new crisis: demographics. Today, the country has 2.4 million residents (perhaps even fewer). From 320,000 pensioners in 1990, there are now 800,000 pensioners. The average age in 1990 was 27. Today it is 44. The country is facing rapid aging and a shrinking workforce.
The comparison of the statistics from 1990 with those of 2024 is a wake-up call!
If in 1990 the word of the day was “democracy,” in 2024 the key word is “demographics.”
In December 1990, the streets and squares were filled with a new generation demanding change, a better future, an Albania like Europe.
Today, however, you cannot ask “for change” from the youth, which is shrinking due to massive emigration and a sharp decline in birth rates.
Since 1990, more than 1.5 million Albanians have changed their country of residence. Emigration continues. By 2024, it is no longer the youth, but the pensioners, who represent the largest demographic group in terms of numbers.
In 2024, ironically, pensioners have protested more (demanding what was promised to them: “decent pensions” and “free healthcare”) than the youth.
Can pensioners bring change?
However ironic this question may sound, the current situation of pensioners deserves not only reflection and discussion but also action.
Democracy and demographics are two sides of the same coin; both require a society that listens and acts in response to its challenges. Albania in 2024 needs a new approach, it needs to open the debate on population aging before it is too late.
The story of December 1990 is an inspiration, a reminder that when a society rises to its feet, nothing is impossible.
Perhaps demographics will be the one to inspire the next movement.