Albanian Protesters Clash With Police Demanding Edi Rama Resign

Thousands of young Albanians gathered outside the Education Ministry in Tirana on Saturday, marking the fifth day of a student-led movement demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The demonstrations, driven by grievances over unemployment and corruption, turned violent as masked individuals threw rocks at riot police. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons.

The unrest has spread across Albania, resulting in the torching of government buildings. State police report 500 detentions and injuries to 120 officers and 45 protesters. This escalation follows months of peaceful protests concerning a luxury resort project on the southern coast involving investors such as Jared Kushner.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has refused to step down. He stated that while his government respects the right to protest, he remains committed to his mandate to see Albania in the European Union by 2030.