Thousands of protesters gathered in Tirana on Saturday, calling for the resignation of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama while denouncing corruption and poor conditions in the education system, according to reports.
The demonstration, which saw significant participation from young people, turned violent when a group of demonstrators threw stones at the Ministry of Education building. Authorities responded by deploying tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
This protest movement, ongoing for over 130 days, gained renewed energy in mid-October with the involvement of students. While the protests were largely peaceful for several months, recent days have witnessed an escalation in violence. Many shops remained closed on Saturday, displaying messages of support for the demonstrators.
The protests initially ignited due to a real estate and tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, planned in a protected natural area. Protesters are demanding the cancellation of this project and a review of legislation concerning protected areas and strategic investments.
Subsequently, the demands have broadened to address corruption, education conditions, and the lack of prospects for youth in a country where over 1.5 million people have emigrated since the fall of communism in 1990. Reports indicate that the average gross salary in Albania is around 930 euros per month.
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged for calm and condemned the violence, labeling it as “intolerable.” He claimed it forms part of a “hybrid war” fueled from abroad.
Meanwhile, the main opposition party, the Democratic Party, is attempting to draw students to its side; however, students and opponents of the real estate project have rejected any political involvement in their movement.
During the demonstration, protesters chanted slogans against both the Prime Minister and opposition leader Sali Berisha, viewing them and the entire political class as responsible for the nation’s situation, reports indicate.
