Clashes between protesters and police in Albania's capital, Tirana, continued for a third consecutive day on Thursday, as Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the violence that has damaged government buildings and injured dozens.
In a video message, Rama sought to reassure citizens while vowing to uphold the rule of law. "We will all get through these difficult hours together because Albania will continue to climb, because Albania will continue on its path to Europe," he said, referencing the country's EU accession bid, which the European Commission aims to conclude by 2027. "No one can grab Albania by the throat. Anyone who thinks the law does not apply to them is mistaken."
The protests, which began as a student movement demanding education reforms, have broadened into a wider anti-government campaign calling for Rama's resignation over corruption allegations. On Thursday, high school students joined thousands of demonstrators marching through the city centre, chanting "Rama Resign!" and bringing traffic to a standstill.
The latest clashes followed Wednesday's riots, during which protesters attacked government buildings, banks, and businesses. According to the Health Ministry, 89 people were injured, including 61 police officers. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons and detained several demonstrators.
Symbol of inequality
For more than four months, thousands have protested against a luxury tourism project linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, which has become a symbol of alleged corruption and inequality in Albania. The project, seen by many as emblematic of the ruling elite's close ties to business interests, has fueled public anger.
Mateo Yskollari, a prominent protest organizer, vowed to continue the demonstrations. "We will be in the square every day," he wrote in an online post. "Our response to any attempt to silence us will be to expand the protest, civil mobilization, and disobedience."
The opposition Democratic Party has backed the student protests and called on Rama to form a caretaker government ahead of early elections. "This movement is not simply a protest against the government," the party said in a statement. "It's a revolt against a model of government created by Edi Rama that has stolen hope from young people, violated citizens' trust and is increasingly distancing Albania from its European future."
Rama's Socialist Party won a fourth consecutive election victory last year, with the next parliamentary elections not scheduled until 2029. The current unrest, however, has put pressure on his administration and raised questions about the country's stability.
The European Union delegation in Tirana called late Wednesday for a proportionate response from authorities, expressing concern at "the violent escalation at the protest in Tirana." The EU's reaction underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting democratic rights, as Albania seeks to advance its membership talks.
The protests in Tirana echo similar student-led movements across Europe, such as the clashes in Paris where French students have taken to the streets over education funding and conditions. While the specific grievances differ, the underlying frustration with political establishments and inequality resonates widely.
As the standoff continues, the international community watches closely. The EU's call for restraint reflects broader concerns about the rule of law and democratic governance in the Western Balkans, a region already grappling with political tensions and the lingering effects of past conflicts.
For now, the streets of Tirana remain tense, with protesters vowing to stay until their demands are met. The coming days will test both Rama's resolve and the opposition's ability to channel public anger into a coherent political challenge.
