Albania’s Fifth Night of Violent Protests: What Readers Should Know

Demands grow in Tirana

Protesters in Tirana say they will accept nothing less than Rama’s resignation. Activist Ervin Goci said the demonstrations would continue and grow, while protesters have also called for opposition leader Sali Berisha to be sent to prison.

Police in riot gear fired water cannons and rubber bullets as demonstrators built barricades with burning rubbish bins and threw rocks outside the prime minister’s office. Activist Nikoleta Mehmeti said officers used tear gas and that injured young people struggled to get help from ambulances.

Grievances extend beyond resorts

The demonstrations were sparked by plans for luxury resorts proposed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump on protected nature reserves, according to artist and activist Mei Seva. She said the protests reflect wider dissatisfaction with Albania’s political establishment, which she described as 36 years old.

Many demonstrators are young people and students. Their concerns include the high cost of education and a lack of opportunities in Albania, alongside accusations that the government is corrupt.

Clashes reach other cities

Clashes have spread from Tirana to Durres, Shkoder, Lezhe and Vlore in the west, as well as Korce in the east and Gjirokaster in the south. In Durres, protesters smashed windows at City Hall, the Prefecture and the Main Post Office.

The ministry of education was set on fire on Wednesday, and masked protesters attacked the prime minister’s office and the finance and interior ministries. Durres activist Artan Kacani said the three damaged local institutions were seen by residents as symbols of deep corruption.

Government says it will listen

Mehmeti said the government was spreading panic and disinformation to confuse protesters. She said people were frightened but would continue demonstrating.