Thousands of young Albanians gathered outside the Education Ministry in central Tirana on Saturday. They marked the fifth day of a student-led movement demanding that Prime Minister Edi Rama resign.
The protest turned violent when masked youths hurled rocks at riot police. Officers responded with stun grenades, tear gas, and a water cannon.
Demonstrations over corruption and job shortages are spreading across Albania. Earlier in the week, protesters in Tirana smashed windows, set fire to government buildings, and fought security forces.
Police figures showed that 500 protesters had been detained, with 330 later released. Authorities recorded 120 police officers and 45 protesters injured, though many injuries among demonstrators likely went unrecorded.
The unrest is the biggest threat to Rama, who has governed since 2013 and won a fourth term last year. His administration has faced persistent corruption scandals. Analysts describe the country as a hub for gangs laundering money from drug and weapons trafficking.
The protests follow months of largely peaceful demonstrations triggered by plans for a luxury resort on Albania’s southern coastline. The project is backed by investors including Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.
Villagers stated in July that their land was wrongfully sold for the development. Reports indicated the man who sold the land was wanted for drug trafficking, though his lawyer denied the accusations. Investigations found no wrongdoing by Kushner, who is not directly involved in the land dispute.
Rama denies any wrongdoing and refuses to step down. Writing on Facebook on Saturday, Rama said his administration respected the students and would protect their right to protest.
“My responsibility is even clearer during these difficult times to protect our citizens, guarantee justice, and move Albania forward, together with this governing majority, which holds a very clear mandate to see Albania in the European Union by 2030,” Rama said.
Albania and Montenegro lead the accession process among Balkan countries, but domestic corruption complicates EU membership efforts. The Albanian unrest coincides with street protests elsewhere in Europe.
In France, high-school students have protested for weeks to demand more teachers and better facilities. Spain experienced broad protests this month against high rents and housing shortages, prompting the government to call a snap election.
