Protests continue in Tirana, Rama warns of fines for demonstrations that descend into violence

On Sunday, protesters took to the streets of Tirana, several hours after Prime Minister Edi Rama announced new measures aimed at halting protests against the government.

Amid the rain, demonstrators initially gathered near the Ministry of Education and then marched toward Rama’s office. They set fire to the chairs that the prime minister had placed outside the building to invite protesters to engage in dialogue with the government.

The protests, led by students, have been fueled by dissatisfaction over perceived corruption in the government, a lack of jobs and the poor quality of education. During this month, they have involved central Tirana and spread to other cities as well.

Protesters calling for Rama’s resignation have burned government buildings and banks, smashed shop windows and removed cobblestones, which they threw at police.

“I think those calling for my resignation are mistaken if they believe they can impose it through violence or by any other means. However, I do not think that everything they say or demand is wrong,” Rama said in a video message.

The violence followed months of largely peaceful protests during the summer against a luxury coastal project backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. The developments represent the biggest challenge so far for Rama, who has been in power since 2013 and won his fourth term last year.

Earlier on Sunday, the prime minister announced new measures to curb the violence. Among them are fines of 500,000 lek ($6,188) for people who take part in a protest that turns violent, even when they themselves do not commit acts of violence.