Albanian prime minister rejects resignation calls as student protests turn violent
publishers 22articles 32first reported 14 Oct, 07:00 UTCdeveloping since 14 Oct · 15 editions
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said he would not resign as student-led anti-government protests entered a third day, with demonstrators and police clashing in Tirana and protests spreading to other cities.
The demonstrations began outside the Education Ministry on Tuesday over poor university conditions, high tuition costs and limited job prospects. Protesters have also demanded Rama’s resignation and voiced broader anger over alleged corruption.
During clashes on Tuesday and Wednesday, protesters attacked government buildings and set at least one ministry building on fire. The prime minister’s office and the finance and interior ministries were among the buildings targeted, while some surrounding businesses and bank branches were also damaged. Riot police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds.
Police said 51 officers were injured during Wednesday’s unrest and 65 people were arrested on suspicion of attacking officers and public and private property. A Tirana hospital said seven injured protesters sought treatment. Sixteen people had been arrested in connection with violence during Tuesday’s protest, according to Albania’s state news agency.
Rama told Reuters that governments are changed through elections, not revolution. He said he was prepared to discuss education costs but distinguished students’ legitimate demands from attacks on institutions and threats to public safety.
The European Union delegation in Tirana condemned the violence and property destruction and urged protesters to exercise restraint. Opposition leader Sali Berisha praised the demonstrators.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 7 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 30 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 22
- Source articles
- 32
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 7
- This version written
- 30 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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