Tirana sees sixth day of violent protests as Albania’s PM refuses to resign | Protests News
Tirana Protests Continue Amid Political Standoff
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Violent protests have persisted for a sixth consecutive day in Albania’s capital, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering outside the Ministry of Education on Sunday to demand Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. Rama, currently in his fourth term, has firmly rejected calls to step down.
The unrest escalated as protesters shouted “Rama, resign” while clashing with police, who resorted to using rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Shops and other businesses in the city center boarded up their windows and doors, and city workers removed paving stones to deter potential violence.
Lindita Karadaku, a journalist with Albanian news outlet TV Klan, offered insight into the unfolding situation. “At this moment, no one is clear what tomorrow will bring,” she said, noting the determination of both young protesters and the prime minister. “Rama has made it very clear that he will not resign, but the protesters are also resolute in their stance.”
Rama addressed the unrest during a live social media stream on Sunday, emphasizing that his government is not being challenged. He expressed concern that the ongoing chaos could impact Albania’s aspirations for European Union membership, stating, “Albanians need to think very clearly. Do they want this, or do they want the EU?” Albania aims to secure membership status by 2030.
Key demands from the protesters include improved education, increased job opportunities, an end to alleged government corruption, and Rama’s resignation. Demonstrators have targeted government institutions and law enforcement, particularly the Ministry of Education and the area surrounding the prime minister’s office.
Rama attributed the surge in protests to the influence of a “foreign hand” and defended his administration’s efforts to combat corruption. He indicated a willingness to engage with students regarding their educational needs while insisting on accountability for those responsible for acts of violence.
According to the Ministry of Health, 65 individuals were reported injured in Sunday’s clashes, including 37 police officers, with 12 requiring hospitalization. This week has seen a total of 272 injuries since protests began on Tuesday, of which 169 were members of law enforcement.
Growing discontent in Albania has roots in earlier protests this year, known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” which erupted in May. Those demonstrations were provoked by opposition to a controversial luxury tourism project in southern Albania linked to Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
