Violent clashes broke out in Tirana as protesters demanding Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation threw stones and set fires while police responded with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets.
Regular student-led demonstrations have been taking place in Albania’s capital city for about two weeks, growing out of a months-long movement in opposition to plans for a luxury coastal resort to be built in the Balkan nation, one of Europe’s poorest.
Saturday’s protest drew larger crowds as university lecturers, teachers, opposition politicians and other public figures joined forces with the students.
Clashes centered on the capital’s main boulevard, where protesters pulled paving stones from sidewalks and threw objects at police. Rubbish bins were set on fire as confrontations spread to other parts of the capital.
Ahead of the demonstrations, Rama said his government was preparing measures to address concerns over living costs, housing and economic opportunities — themes that echo the current protest movement in France.
Rama, 62, who was elected to a fourth term last year, also warned about new security measures against those involved in violence, while accusing organized crime groups and foreign actors of exploiting the protests.
“When we tell them that we are ready for dialogue, continuing to insist on protesting makes no sense,” Rama said through a social media address with interior minister Ervin Demo.
Albania’s protesters are demanding better education, more opportunity, and political change, arguing that months of peaceful protests failed to bring results.
The unrest has brought about some of the worst street violence in Tirana for a decade, leaving hundreds injured and government buildings and businesses damaged. Albania’s tax authorities estimate that 127 businesses have suffered damage totaling €2.15 million ($2.4 million).
Interior Minister Ervin Demo said police were reviewing footage, including recordings from social media and security cameras, to identify protesters involved in violence.
The demonstrations have added to anger over political accountability in the nation of about 2.7 million people. The movement began nearly five months ago over plans for a resort linked to Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, near a protected wetland known for its flamingos.
What started as a largely peaceful environmental protest grew into a wider campaign against Rama’s government as corruption investigations targeted some of his closest political allies, including his deputy. University and high school students joined the demonstrations at the start of the academic year.
Written by: Gresa Kraja @Bloomberg
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