For the third consecutive day, protests against the government in Albania ended in violent clashes. The dissatisfaction of students and citizens with the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama was also reported in an article by journalist Kathleen Heylen for the Belgian media outlet VRT NWS.
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According to VRT NWS, the student movement began amid concerns over the quality of education, the high cost of studying and limited employment opportunities. It later grew into a broader protest against the government, corruption and inequality that demonstrators say they see in the country.
Protesters are demanding changes in education, a fight against corruption and the resignation of Edi Rama. The call for the prime minister’s removal has also been raised for months by the civic opposition through protests.
In Tirana and other cities, the demonstrations have been accompanied by clashes with police. The Belgian media outlet writes that protesters have struck government buildings with stones and fireworks, blocked roads and set garbage bins on fire. Police have used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons.
The article includes accounts from students and citizens describing their dissatisfaction with living conditions, employment prospects and the way public institutions operate. Organizers say they will continue mobilizing, despite clashes with police and the authorities’ response.
Public anger has also been fueled by a project for a luxury tourist complex on Albania’s southern coast, linked to the investment company of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Referring to Reuters, the article mentions doubts concerning the ownership documents for part of the land where the project is planned. Reuters, however, found no evidence that Kushner had committed any wrongdoing; he is not directly involved in the ownership dispute.
Edi Rama has said he will not resign. In statements cited by Reuters, the prime minister expressed a willingness to discuss the costs of education, but defended his governing mandate, which he linked to the goal of Albania joining the European Union.
Rama has also condemned the violence and damage to buildings, warning that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. He was quoted as saying that no one can hold Albania hostage and that anyone who thinks they can act outside the law is mistaken.
VRT NWS notes that the initial demands for education reforms have broadened into a political challenge for the government. It remains unclear whether the citizens’ mobilization will concretely change the authorities’ stance.
