Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected calls for his resignation as thousands of student-led protesters clashed with riot police in the capital, Tirana, over allegations of corruption, concerns about education and a controversial luxury resort development.
The protests, which entered their third day on Thursday, October 15, saw demonstrators smash windows, throw rocks at security personnel and set a kiosk on fire. Police responded with tear gas, sound grenades and water cannon as parts of the city were left littered with burnt-out garbage bins, shattered bus stops and damaged traffic lights.
The protesters accuse government officials of corruption and neglecting the education sector. They are also opposed to plans to develop parts of Albania’s southern coastline into a luxury resort backed by United States President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The demonstrations followed months of largely peaceful protests against the development, with protesters demanding Rama’s resignation over what they describe as the government’s failure to address their concerns.
Rama, whose government denies corruption, said he was willing to discuss rising education costs but ruled out stepping down, insisting that his administration had a responsibility to address legitimate concerns and fulfil its commitment to Albania’s European Union membership bid.
In a written statement to Reuters, Rama said, “My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward. The alternative would be a betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership.”
A student identified as Kiara said the cost of living, limited job opportunities and alleged corruption were among the major concerns driving 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.
Another protester, lawyer Lulzim Tanushi, accused the government of failing to listen to citizens, saying the demonstrations reflected growing anger over what he described as years of abuses under Rama’s administration.
Violence was also reported in other parts of the country, including Shkodra, where a police commander was reportedly seriously injured. Local media also reported demonstrations in Durres, Elbasan, Kukes and Vlora. Parliament cancelled its session as violence erupted near the legislature.
The controversy surrounding the resort development has also faced legal challenges. Villagers told Reuters in July that their land had been wrongfully sold for development. Reuters subsequently reported that the man who sold the land was wanted by prosecutors over alleged drug trafficking, an accusation his lawyer denied.
However, Reuters said it found no evidence of wrongdoing by Kushner, who is not directly involved in the villagers’ dispute.
The unrest represents a major challenge for Rama, who secured a fourth term last year with European Union membership at the centre of his campaign. Albania, alongside Montenegro, is among the leading Balkan countries in the EU accession process and is targeting membership as early as 2028.
Rama maintained that his government was committed to tackling corruption and would not allow the protests to undermine the country’s European ambitions.
“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,” he said.
An EU mission to Albania, in a statement posted on X, called for dialogue, saying constructive engagement was the only way forward.
Boluwatife Enome
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