Albania’s PM Edi Rama rejects resignation as protests spread

Thousands clash with riot police in Tirana

Thousands of protesters have clashed with riot police in the capital, Tirana, for three consecutive days, resulting in damage to government buildings. Riot police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds, while protesters set fire to rubbish bins and erected makeshift barriers.

The violence led to the cancellation of a parliamentary session as streets were left littered with shattered bus stops and broken traffic lights. A photograph taken from inside a vandalised shop in central Tirana on Thursday shows protesters during the demonstration.

Student-led demonstrations spread to smaller cities

Demonstrations expanded to several smaller cities on Thursday as students joined university boycotts. Protesters stated their concerns have gone unanswered despite earlier demonstrations against the luxury resort project.

Protesters cite corruption and luxury resort concerns

Demonstrators are protesting against alleged government corruption, the cost and quality of education, and a luxury resort development along the southern coastline backed by Jared Kushner. A student named Kiara told Reuters that the cost of living, poor employment prospects, and alleged corruption were central concerns, noting that finding work in one’s field often depended on personal connections.

Lawyer Lulzim Tanushi described the government as corrupt and claimed the Prime Minister has abused and ruined people's lives. While the resort plans have faced legal challenges from villagers regarding land sales, Reuters found no evidence of wrongdoing by Jared Kushner, who is not directly involved in the dispute.

Rama defends mandate and condemns violence

Prime Minister Edi Rama stated his government denies corruption and that he is willing to discuss rising education costs. Rama said, "Perhaps some forces, at home and abroad, do not want Albania to succeed as a forerunner for EU membership".

He added, "But I will not allow violence to derail Albania’s European future". Regarding his position, Rama said, "My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward".

He stated that resigning would be a "betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership". Rama condemned the "chaos" as protests continued for the third day.

He toured a burnt-out office at a university campus in Tirana and stated, "Everyone is responsible before the law, and everyone who has had a hand in this chaos will certainly pay". Rama also condemned attacks on public property, stating they had no connection to students’ legitimate demands. He stated that Albania is tackling corruption as never before.

Casualties and arrests from Wednesday's unrest

Police reported 65 arrests during Wednesday’s protests on suspicion of attacking officers, public institutions, and property. The Health Ministry reported that 89 people were treated in Tirana hospitals on Wednesday, including 61 police officers.

As of Thursday, four police officers and two protesters remained hospitalized, with one demonstrator and two officers expected to undergo surgery.

Protesters' ultimatum and student demands

Protesters circulated an ultimatum demanding the Prime Minister's resignation by 1 p.m. (11:00 GMT) on Thursday. Demonstrations continued despite the deadline.

Protesters demanded the resignation, stating that no one listened to their concerns during a summer of largely peaceful protests over the luxury resort development. Kiara, a student, stated that the cost of living, poor job prospects, and alleged corruption were primary drivers for the protests.

International context and European integration goals

Albania and Montenegro are currently leading the accession process among Balkan countries and are aiming for entry into the European Union as early as 2028. The unrest in Albania is part of a wider wave of student activism in Europe, including protests in France where students are demanding more teachers and better school facilities. A European Union mission to Albania stated on X that "Constructive dialogue is the only way forward".