Tirana, October 16 (Albania Journal) – Thousands of young Albanians marched through the capital, Tirana, on Friday, breaking windows and traffic lights on the fourth day of an increasingly violent, student-led campaign demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The protests, which have spread to several parts of the country, turned violent in Tirana on Thursday, with demonstrators smashing windows, raiding a bank and clashing with police. The unrest follows months of largely peaceful demonstrations that students say the government has ignored.
“They are pushing us to the limits,” said 19-year-old protester Enea, who declined to give his surname for fear of arrest. He said his message to Rama was: “To resign as fast as possible before everything burns down.”
The students have accused officials of corruption and neglecting education. They are also angry over plans to develop pristine sections of Albania’s coastline into a luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
The unrest poses a challenge to Rama, who won a fourth term last year after promising to lead Albania into the European Union. His government is aiming for EU membership as early as 2028.
“We will not bow to violence,” Rama said in a Facebook post.
Businesses Urge Protesters Not to Damage Their Property
Many students, some wearing masks, faced lines of riot police outside the Education Ministry building in Tirana. Several small businesses lowered their shutters and displayed messages on their facades expressing support for the protesters while urging them not to damage local businesses.
“We are with you. Do not damage our business all over the town,” the messages read.
In the coastal town of Lezha, police clashed with protesters who threw stones. Demonstrations also spread to Elbasan, Shkodra and Korca, where windows were broken and garbage bins were set on fire, according to local media reports.
“We’ve been protesting peacefully for 140 days, and nothing was heard. So this is our only chance to be heard and get our rights that we deserve,” said a 19-year-old protester who identified herself only as Klea.
The demonstrations were initially sparked by plans for the luxury resort, which have faced legal challenges.
Villagers told Reuters in July that their land had been wrongfully sold for development. Reuters later reported that the man who sold the land was wanted by prosecutors on drug-trafficking charges, which his lawyer denied.
Political analyst Afrim Krasniqi said younger generations felt they had little future in Albania.
“They see that all resources in the country, political resources, economic, everything is in the hands of oligarchs,” he told Reuters.
Corruption scandals have damaged Albania’s international image over the years. Analysts have also described the country as a hub for criminal gangs seeking to launder money from drug and weapons trafficking, complicating its efforts to join the EU.
Along with Montenegro, Albania is among the leading candidates in the EU accession process in the Western Balkans.
The unrest comes amid a broader wave of student activism across Europe. In France, high school students have staged weeks of protests and school blockades, demanding more teachers and better facilities. They argue that deteriorating school buildings and overcrowded classrooms are undermining education.
