Edi Rama Condemns Violent Anti-Government Protests in Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama accused youth-led protesters of extremism after violent clashes in Tirana left 300 injured and led to 167 arrests.
Violent clashes erupted in Tirana on Monday as anti-government protesters attacked police with Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and stones. Riot police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds that set rubbish bins on fire. Authorities reported approximately 300 injuries, noting that more than half of the casualties were police officers, while at least 167 people were arrested.
Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, stated that while protesting is a right, the violence committed by demonstrators crossed a "red line" and constitutes a crime. He intensified his rhetoric by accusing some students of being bound to "politically extremist ideologies" and alleging that the movement is incited by the opposition and foreign intelligence services from Russia and Iran, though he provided no concrete evidence.
The unrest evolved from May's "Flamingo Revolution" environmental protests regarding luxury developments in Zvernec and Sazan Island into a broader rebellion over tuition fees, corruption, and crumbling infrastructure. In response to the violence, Rama pledged a 2,500-euro bonus for police officers and warned students they could lose scholarships, while their families could face financial liability for damages.
