Tirana, October 15 (Albania Journal) – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday rejected calls for his resignation as thousands of student-led protesters clashed with riot police in the capital, Tirana. The demonstrators smashed windows and threw rocks, while police responded with tear gas, water cannon and sound grenades.
The protesters accuse government officials of corruption and neglecting education. They are also angry over plans to sell parts of Albania’s southern coastline for a luxury resort development backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
Tirana’s streets were left littered with burned-out garbage bins, shattered bus stops and damaged traffic lights. Protesters set fire to a kiosk, erected barricades and raided a bank as clashes escalated.
The demonstrators are demanding Rama’s resignation, arguing that the government ignored their concerns during months of largely peaceful protests over the resort project.
Rama, whose government denies allegations of corruption, said he was willing to discuss rising education costs but ruled out stepping down.
“My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward,” he said in a written statement to Reuters. “The alternative would be a betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership.”
Rama Condemns Attacks on Public Property
A student who identified herself as Kiara said the rising cost of living, limited job opportunities and alleged corruption were among the main reasons behind the protests.
“Our prime minister is the meaning of the word corruption. You can only find work in your field if you know a guy who knows a guy,” she said. Like many demonstrators on Thursday, she wore a mask.
The protests, now in their third day, represent the biggest challenge yet to Rama, who secured a fourth term last year with European Union membership at the centre of his campaign.
Parliament cancelled its session as violence erupted nearby. In central Skanderbeg Square, police officers struck fleeing protesters with batons while tourists watched. A police commander was seriously injured in the northern town of Shkodra, the Top Channel television website reported.
Local media reported that demonstrations were also taking place in Durres, Elbasan, Kukes and Vlora.
Protesters Say Government Has Ignored Their Concerns
Protester Lulzim Tanushi, a lawyer, accused the government of corruption and said people had taken to the streets because their concerns had gone unheard.
“This government is corrupted, led and governed by a corrupt prime minister,” Tanushi said. “Since Rama came to power he has abused and ruined people’s lives and that is why people are showing their anger — when they were not heard before.”
The latest unrest follows months of mostly peaceful demonstrations against plans to develop the luxury resort, which has faced legal challenges.
Villagers told Reuters in July that their land had been wrongfully sold for the project. Reuters later reported that the man who sold the land was wanted by prosecutors over drug-trafficking allegations. His lawyer denied the charges.
Albania Targets EU Membership by 2028
Albania’s efforts to join the European Union have been complicated by years of corruption scandals. Political analysts say the country has become a hub for criminal gangs seeking to launder money generated through drug and weapons trafficking.
Alongside Montenegro, Albania is among the leading Balkan countries in the EU accession process and is aiming to join the bloc as early as 2028.
Rama defended his government’s record on tackling corruption, saying Albania was making progress despite the unrest.
“Corruption must be confronted and, as the EU itself has recently reaffirmed, Albania is tackling it as never before,” Rama told Reuters.
“Perhaps some forces, at home and abroad, do not want Albania to succeed as a forerunner for EU membership. But I will not allow violence to derail Albania’s European future.”
In a statement posted on X, an EU mission to Albania urged dialogue, saying: “Constructive dialogue is the only way forward.”
The unrest comes amid a wider wave of student activism across Europe. In France, high school students have staged weeks of protests and blocked schools to demand more teachers and better facilities. They argue that deteriorating school buildings and overcrowded classrooms are undermining the quality of education.
