Albanian prime minister rejects resignation calls as student protests spread

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected calls to resign on Thursday as student-led demonstrations entered a third day, with protesters and riot police clashing in Tirana and unrest spreading to several smaller cities.

Police used tear gas and water cannons as demonstrators threw stones, erected makeshift barriers and set fire to rubbish bins. Government buildings were damaged, including at least one building set ablaze during the protests. Streets in the capital were strewn with burned bins, shattered bus stops and broken traffic lights, while Reuters reported that police struck fleeing protesters with batons in Skanderbeg Square. Parliament cancelled a scheduled session amid violence nearby.

The protesters are demanding better university conditions and Rama’s resignation. They have also voiced anger over education and living costs, poor job prospects, alleged corruption and plans for a luxury resort development on Albania’s southern coast backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The demonstrations follow months of largely peaceful opposition to the project.

Rama said he was prepared to discuss rising education costs but condemned attacks on institutions and public property. His government denies corruption allegations.

“My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward,” Rama said in a statement to Reuters, adding that resigning would betray voters who gave him a mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership. He also said those responsible for the violence would face legal consequences.