Violent Protests Erupt in Albania as Students Demand Prime Ministers Resignation

Tirana, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Protests erupted in Tirana, Albania, as students took to the streets for the third consecutive day, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Clashes between demonstrators and police resulted in injuries to 51 officers. The students are advocating for better facilities and conditions in universities.

According to Albania Daily News, the state police reported that 65 protesters were detained for questioning in connection with alleged attacks on police, public institutions, and both public and private property. Police Chief Skender Hita visited the trauma hospital to check on the injured officers. Authorities stated that masked protesters threw stones, heavy objects, and Molotov cocktails at the police during the unrest.

The police faced continuous attacks for over 14 hours during the protests. While the total number of injured protesters has not been confirmed, Tirana’s public hospital reported that seven demonstrators sought medical assistance due to the violence.

To disperse protesters marching on major streets, police used tear gas and water cannons. The unrest has spread beyond the capital, affecting other cities across the country.

Protesters have raised concerns about the deteriorating state of universities and the rising tuition fees, calling for Prime Minister Rama’s resignation. In a written response to Reuters, Rama stated that his government received a mandate from last year’s democratic elections and emphasized that any change in government should occur through elections, not through protests.

He expressed his commitment to listening to the public’s concerns and addressing legitimate demands while condemning the violence against public institutions and the threat to public safety. Rama remarked that such actions are unrelated to the students’ just demands.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, violent clashes continued for hours, with protesters forcibly entering several government buildings and setting at least one on fire. These protests represent the most significant challenge faced by Rama, who has been in office for a fourth term.

Prior to this unrest, Albania had experienced months of protests primarily focused on a luxury resort development plan on the southern coast, supported by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has faced legal challenges.

Rama acknowledged the need to address corruption and noted that the European Union has recognized Albania’s recent efforts in this regard. He cautioned that certain forces, both domestic and foreign, may not want to see Albania progress towards EU membership, but he vowed that violence would not obstruct the country’s European future.

Meanwhile, the European Union delegation in Tirana reiterated calls for de-escalation and condemned the violence and damage to public and private property during the protests. The delegation urged protesters to exercise restraint and stay away from violence, emphasizing that there is no place for violence in a democracy.

Albania and Montenegro are among the Balkan countries working towards EU membership, with Albania aiming to achieve this goal by 2028.