Albanian Prime Minister Rejects Calls to Resign as Student Protests Turn Violent

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected calls for his resignation as thousands of student-led protesters took to the streets of the capital, Tirana, smashing windows and clashing with riot police.

The protests, which entered their third day on Thursday, were driven by public anger over alleged corruption, the rising cost and quality of education, poor employment opportunities, and a controversial plan to develop parts of Albania's southern coastline into a luxury resort.

The proposed resort is backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

Protesters demanded Rama's resignation, accusing his government of failing to address their concerns despite months of largely peaceful demonstrations against the development project.

In a written statement to Reuters, Rama said he would not step down, insisting that his responsibility was to listen to citizens, address legitimate grievances, and keep the country moving forward.

He added that resigning would betray the Albanian people, who gave him a strong mandate to complete negotiations for membership in the European Union (EU).

Protesters Clash With Police

The demonstrations turned violent as protesters threw stones at security personnel, while police deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

In central Tirana, riot police were seen striking fleeing protesters with batons as tourists watched the confrontation.

The unrest left streets littered with burned rubbish bins, broken bus stops, shattered windows, and damaged traffic lights.

Albania's parliament also cancelled its scheduled session as violence erupted near the legislative building.

A student identified as Kiara told Reuters that the high cost of living, limited job opportunities, and alleged corruption were among the main reasons behind the demonstrations.

She accused the government of creating a system in which securing employment often depends on personal connections rather than qualifications.

Lawyer and protester Lulzim Tanushi also accused Rama's administration of corruption and said the demonstrations reflected growing public frustration after repeated attempts to have citizens' concerns heard.

Controversial Resort Development Fuels Anger

The current unrest follows months of demonstrations against plans to develop part of Albania's southern coastline into a luxury resort.

The project has faced legal challenges, with some villagers alleging that their land was wrongfully sold for development.

Reuters reported in July that the businessman who sold the land was wanted by prosecutors over alleged drug-trafficking offences. His lawyer denied the allegations.

However, Reuters said it found no evidence of wrongdoing by Kushner, who is not directly involved in the dispute between the villagers and the businessman.

Rama's government has denied allegations of corruption but acknowledged its willingness to discuss concerns over the rising cost of education.

The prime minister, however, condemned attacks on public institutions and the destruction of public property, insisting that violence was not a legitimate way to express grievances.

Albania's EU Membership Ambitions

The protests present a significant challenge to Rama, who secured a fourth term in office last year after campaigning on the promise of advancing Albania's EU membership bid.

Albania and Montenegro are currently among the leading countries in the Western Balkans' EU accession process, with Albania targeting membership as early as 2028.

However, corruption scandals and concerns about organised criminal networks and money laundering have continued to affect the country's international reputation and complicate its European ambitions.

Rama maintained that his government was confronting corruption and would not allow the unrest to derail Albania's European future.

Meanwhile, an EU mission in Albania called for constructive dialogue, describing it as the only way forward.

The demonstrations form part of a wider wave of student activism across Europe, where young people have been demanding better educational facilities, improved learning conditions, and greater government accountability.

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