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Protesters and police clashed in Albania’s capital Tirana on Thursday for the third consecutive day, as Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the “chaos” following violent protests that damaged government buildings.
“We will all get through these difficult hours together because Albania will continue to climb, because Albania will continue on its path to Europe,” Rama said in a video message, referring to Albania’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.”
Students demanding education reforms have joined wider anti-government protests calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over corruption allegations.
On Thursday, high school students joined thousands of protesters on marches through the centre of the capital, chanting “Rama Resign!” as they brought the city to a standstill.
The latest clashes followed Wednesday’s riots, when protesters attacked government buildings, banks and businesses, leaving 89 people injured, including 61 police officers, according to the Health Ministry.
“We will be in the square every day,” Mateo Yskollari, a prominent protest organizer, wrote in an online post. “Our response to any attempt to silence us will be to expand the protest, civil mobilization, and disobedience.”
For more than four months, thousands have protested against a luxury tourism project linked to Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, which has become a symbol of alleged corruption and inequality in Albania.
Political reactions
The opposition Democratic Party 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. “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.
Meanwhile, a European Union delegation in Albania called late Wednesday for a proportionate response from authorities, expressing concern at “the violent escalation at the protest in Tirana.”
“We call on protesters to exercise restraint and to refrain from any acts of violence. Violence has no place in democracies,” it said in a statement.
Additional sources • AP