PM EDI RAMA ACCUSES “FOREIGN HANDS” AS STUDENT PROTESTS INTENSIFY IN ALBANIA

Sat 17 October 2026:

Clashes continue in Tirana as demonstrators demand resignation amid corruption claims and university grievances

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has pointed to “foreign hands” as the force behind the growing violence in student-led demonstrations calling for his resignation.

For the fourth consecutive day, riot police confronted protesters outside the education ministry while thousands of young people marched through the capital, Tirana, on Friday, voicing anger over government corruption and inadequate university conditions.

“This is not a student phenomenon,” Rama stated in a video address on Friday. He added that there were “foreign hands that do not wish for Albania to be at peace”.

The prime minister maintained that the demonstrations had “absolutely nothing to do with the hardships, problems or legitimate aspirations of anyone who desires a better life”.

Protests in Albania have turned violent, with demonstrators clashing with police in Tirana. Students have rallied for four consecutive days, demanding the prime minister’s resignation.

Al Jazeera’s Imogen Kimber reports. https://t.co/YrCdH1aQoc

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 16, 2026

Officers deployed water cannon and tear gas as some demonstrators threw rocks.

Unrest has extended beyond Tirana to cities including Elbasan, Shkodra and Korca, where local media said participants smashed windows and ignited rubbish bins.

The current wave of violence comes after months of largely peaceful rallies that began over the sale of a section of Albania’s coastline to a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

Recent days have seen increased attacks on banks and official buildings. On Tuesday, protesters launched bricks and concrete blocks at the education ministry and set several structures ablaze across the capital, among them the prime minister’s office, the finance and justice ministries, and multiple bank branches.

Police reported detaining 160 individuals on Thursday evening in connection with alleged violent acts.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Calls for Resignation and EU Membership Concerns

Protesters are seeking Rama’s departure along with changes to the electoral system and education policy.

The prime minister, whose administration rejects corruption allegations, indicated he would be willing to address concerns about rising education costs but dismissed demands that he step down.

Speaking on Thursday, he said, “My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward.”

His resignation “would be a betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership”, he continued.

Corruption scandals have hindered Albania’s EU accession process. Analysts describe the country as a centre for criminal networks involved in laundering proceeds from drug and weapons trafficking.

Rama secured a fourth term last year by pledging to advance Albania’s EU bid, with a target of membership by 2028.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

__________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22