Albanian Prime Minister Defies Resignation Calls Amidst Escalating Student Protests and Vandalism

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected demands for his resignation as thousands of protesters engaged in clashes with riot police in the capital, Tirana, for a third consecutive day, resulting in damage to government buildings. In a statement to Reuters, Rama stated, "My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward." He further added, "The alternative would be a betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate ‌to complete negotiations on European Union membership."

The confrontations saw riot police deploy water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators. Protesters have voiced accusations of corruption and neglect of the education sector, expressing particular anger over the sale of portions of Albania’s southern coastline for a luxury resort development reportedly backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump. Streets in Tirana bore the marks of the unrest, with burnt-out rubbish bins, shattered bus stops, and broken traffic lights.

In Skanderbeg Square, police were seen using batons on fleeing protesters. The demonstrations expanded to several smaller cities on Thursday, with students joining university boycotts. Rama, whose government denies allegations of corruption, indicated a willingness to discuss rising education costs but firmly rejected calls for his resignation. He suggested that certain domestic and international forces might oppose Albania's progress towards EU membership and vowed not to let violence impede the country's European future.

Earlier, Rama posted a video on Facebook touring the damaged remains of an office at the College of Europe campus in Tirana, stating, "Everyone is responsible before the law, and everyone who has had a hand in this chaos will certainly pay." He was scheduled to meet with his party’s parliamentary group on Thursday, the same day protesters circulated an ultimatum demanding his resignation by 1 p.m. GMT. However, clashes had already begun before the deadline.

A student, identifying herself as Kiara, told Reuters that the cost of living, poor job prospects, and alleged corruption were primary concerns. "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 stated, her face masked like many others.

Protesters demanded Rama's resignation, citing a lack of response to their concerns during previous summer protests regarding the luxury resort development linked to Kushner. Police reported 65 arrests on Wednesday for alleged attacks on officers, institutions, and property. The Health Ministry reported that 89 individuals, including 61 police officers, were treated in Tirana hospitals on Wednesday, with four officers and two protesters remaining hospitalized. Rama condemned the violence, stating, "Attacking institutions, destroying public property and threatening public safety have nothing to do with the legitimate demands of students."