Thousands Clash With Riot Police as Violent Protests Spread Across Albania

Protests continue across Albania

Thousands of demonstrators clashed with riot police in Tirana for a third day, and protests also spread to other cities. Government buildings were damaged amid the unrest. Tirana’s streets had burnt rubbish bins, shattered bus stops and broken traffic lights. In Skanderbeg Square, police struck fleeing protesters with batons as tourists watched. The Health Ministry said hospitals in Tirana treated 89 people on Wednesday, among them 61 police officers.

Rama rejects resignation calls

Prime Minister Edi Rama dismissed demands that he step down. He said he was willing to discuss rising education costs but would not resign. Rama said leaving office would betray Albanians who gave him a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership. He also condemned attacks on institutions and damage to public property.

He was due to meet his party’s parliamentary group early Thursday. Protesters circulated an ultimatum calling for his resignation by 1pm, or 11:00 GMT.

Protesters cite corruption concerns

Demonstrators demanded Rama’s resignation, saying their concerns had gone unheard during a summer of largely peaceful protests over a luxury resort development linked to Kushner. A masked protester accused the prime minister of corruption and said finding work in one’s field depended on personal connections.

Rama’s government denies corruption. In his first public comments since the protests began, he said the protesters’ demands did not justify attacks or threats to public safety.