The Political Situation in Albania

Rama Rejects Calls to Resign: "It Would Be Betraying the Albanians"

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has dismissed demands for his resignation as the capital, Tirana, enters its third day of major student protests and unrest, according to several media outlets.

"The alternative would be to betray the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations for EU membership," he stated in comments to Reuters.

His Socialist Party was elected to a fourth term last year and is now facing accusations of corruption, according to the AP. Rama says he is prepared to discuss "legitimate grievances" but has criticized the protesters for destroying public property.

Water cannons and tear gas have been deployed against the demonstrators. The Ministry of Health told the AP that 89 people were injured yesterday, 61 of whom were police officers.

Major Student Protests in Albania – Concerns Over Excessive Force

Thousands of students in Albania—primarily in the capital, Tirana—are protesting against rising education costs and corruption, according to various media reports.

Protesters have reportedly set fire to the Ministry of Education, thrown stones at the police, and smashed the storefronts of local businesses.

"This is a revolution. We are tired of peaceful protests. We won’t stop until Rama resigns," student Lora told *The Guardian*.

The police have responded with tear gas, water cannons, and riot squads. The EU delegation in Albania has expressed concern over reports of excessive force by the police and is calling for an investigation, Politico reports.

This is the most violent demonstration to date under Prime Minister Edi Rama. He won a fourth term last year, but criticism against him has grown alongside allegations of corruption, The Guardian reports