Violent Albania Protests Escalate: Student movement confronts Edi Rama; hundreds detained, dozens injured

Thousands of young people gathered outside Albania’s Education Ministry in central Tirana on Saturday, marking the fifth consecutive day of a growing student-led movement calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. The demonstration turned violent when a group of masked youths threw rocks at riot police. Officers responded by firing stun grenades and tear gas and deploying a water cannon. Protests over alleged corruption and a shortage of jobs have begun spreading across Albania. In Tirana, demonstrators smashed windows, set government buildings on fire and clashed with security personnel during the week, according to the Reuters. According to police figures, around 500 protesters had been detained so far, of whom 330 were subsequently released. Authorities recorded injuries to approximately 120 police officers and 45 demonstrators, although the actual number of injured protesters could be higher because some cases may have gone unreported. The unrest represents the most significant challenge to Rama since he took office in 2013. His Socialist Party secured a fourth consecutive term in last year’s elections.

Luxury resort controversy preceded student protests

The current unrest follows months of largely peaceful demonstrations triggered by plans to construct a luxury resort along Albania’s unspoilt southern coastline. The project has received backing from investors, including Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Villagers told Reuters in July that their land had been wrongfully sold for the proposed development. A subsequent Reuters report found that the individual who sold the land was wanted by prosecutors on suspicion of drug trafficking, allegations denied by his lawyer. Reuters found no evidence of wrongdoing by Kushner, who is not directly involved in the villagers’ dispute. Rama’s government has faced repeated corruption scandals. Analysts have also described Albania as a centre for criminal groups seeking to launder proceeds from drug and weapons trafficking, issues that have complicated the country’s efforts to join the European Union.

Rama vows to protect right to protest

Rama, who denies wrongdoing and told Reuters earlier this week that he would not resign, said on Saturday that his government respected the students and would safeguard their right to demonstrate. “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,” he wrote on Facebook. Albania, alongside Montenegro, is among the leading candidates in the EU accession process in the Western Balkans.

Protests spread across Europe

The unrest in Albania comes amid growing demonstrations in other European countries over public services, living costs and housing. In France, high-school students have been protesting for weeks to demand more teachers and improved school facilities. The movement appears to be attracting support from other sections of society. Spain has also witnessed widespread demonstrations this month over soaring rents and a shortage of affordable housing, prompting the government to call a snap election.