Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday rejected demands for his resignation. Thousands of demonstrators clashed with riot police in central Tirana for the third consecutive day.
Riot police deployed water cannons and tear gas against crowds attacking government buildings. Protesters accused officials of corruption and neglecting the education sector. They also expressed anger over the sale of parts of Albania’s southern coastline to a luxury resort development backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.
Streets across the capital were littered with burnt-out rubbish bins, shattered bus stops and broken traffic lights. Police officers used batons against fleeing protesters in Skanderbeg Square while tourists looked on.
"My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward," Prime Minister Edi Rama said in a written statement to Reuters. "The alternative would be a betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership."
Thursday’s demonstrations spread to several smaller cities as students joined university boycotts. Protesters circulated an ultimatum demanding Rama step down by 1pm. Clashes erupted before the deadline expired as demonstrators erected makeshift barriers and set fire to bins.
Rama denied allegations of corruption and stated he was ready to discuss rising education costs. "Perhaps some forces, at home and abroad, do not want Albania to succeed as a forerunner for EU membership. But I will not allow violence to derail Albania’s European future," he added.
Earlier on Thursday, Rama posted a video on Facebook showing him inspecting the burnt-out remains of an office at a university campus in Tirana. "Until yesterday, this was the office of the College of Europe, the school of a united Europe," he said. "Everyone is responsible before the law, and everyone who has had a hand in this chaos will certainly pay."
A student named Kiara told Reuters that the high cost of living, poor job prospects and alleged corruption drove the protests. "Our prime minister is the meaning of the word corruption. You can only find work in your field if you know a guy who knows a guy," she said.
Police reported that 65 people were arrested during Wednesday’s demonstrations on suspicion of attacking police officers, institutions, and public and private property.
The Health Ministry stated that hospitals in Tirana treated 89 people on Wednesday, including 61 police officers. Four officers and two protesters remained hospitalised, with one demonstrator and two officers scheduled for surgery.
"Attacking institutions, destroying public property and threatening public safety have nothing to do with the legitimate demands of students," Rama stated.
