Albania Prime Minister Rama Ignores Calls to Resign Amid Violent Clashes
Protests continue across Albania
Student-led demonstrations have continued for six days, calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. The protests began amid dissatisfaction over alleged government corruption, unemployment and poor education standards, and have spread from central Tirana to other cities.
On Sunday, hundreds gathered outside the Education Ministry and chanted for Rama to resign. Protesters threw rocks at riot police, who responded with tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.
Rama rejects resignation demands
Rama has refused to leave office, arguing that the demonstrations threaten Albania’s ambition to join the European Union rather than his government. In a live Facebook address, he said the protesters were challenging a path and a mission, not the government or the party that won the election.
He also asked Albanians to consider whether they wanted the EU and described the protests as the “work of an outside hand,” according to Rama. Earlier in the week, he said governments changed through elections.
EU urges calm after clashes
Albania is among Balkan states seeking to join the European Union by 2030, adding to the significance of the unrest. Brussels has called for calm amid the violent protests.
The European Commission condemned violence in Tirana and other cities on Sunday. It also welcomed the Albanian authorities’ commitment to protect the right to protest.
Key points
- Student-led protests demanding Rama’s resignation have entered a sixth day.
- Demonstrations have spread from Tirana to other Albanian cities.
- Police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets after protesters threw rocks.
- The European Commission condemned violence and welcomed assurances on protest rights.