Albania’s prime minister, Edi Rama, firmly rejected calls to resign as student-led protests escalated into violent clashes in the capital, Tirana, for the third consecutive day. The unrest began over a proposed Trump family-backed resort development, but has since expanded into broader demands related to education and government accountability.
Addressing the demonstrations on Thursday, Rama emphasized that governments change through democratic elections, not revolutions. He referenced the last election held the previous year, asserting his mandate to continue negotiating Albania’s membership in the European Union and refusing to let violence derail the country’s European ambitions.
Unrest Turns Violent in Tirana
The protest movement, which started as opposition to a controversial tourism project championed by Jared Kushner and his investment firm, escalated into violent confrontations between demonstrators and riot police outside the education ministry. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to protesters hurling rocks. The previous night’s street battles left damaged storefronts, destroyed traffic signals, and government buildings and banks vandalized. Authorities reported approximately 89 people injured, including 61 police officers.
Student Movement Amplifies Protests
Students, who took a leading role in the anti-government demonstrations, have voiced frustration over rising education costs and broader demands for better university infrastructure and societal reforms. Afrim Krasniqi, director of the Albanian Institute for Political Studies, noted that young protesters are increasingly willing to face personal risks to demand democratic accountability and resist what they see as government corruption and arrogance. This represents a shift in the movement’s dynamics, with students now holding more influence.
Controversial Resort Project Sparks Backlash
The protests were initially ignited by plans to build a $4 billion resort along Albania’s pristine coastline, including the environmentally sensitive Sazan Island. Environmentalists and many protesters have condemned the project for threatening delicate ecosystems and favoring elite interests. Though Rama defends the development as vital for economic growth and job creation, critics accuse the government of ignoring public concerns and underestimating the project’s environmental impact.
Jared Kushner acknowledged the high stakes involved, calling the investment a risk but expressing confidence in Albania’s future. Meanwhile, local conservation groups say the government’s steadfast support for the project, despite months of protests, has fueled public anger and widened unrest.
Government Stance and Future Prospects
Despite mounting opposition and violent episodes, Rama remains resolute in his commitment to continue governing and completing EU accession talks. While promising to address legitimate student concerns, he condemned the vandalism and insisted that the destruction seen during protests was not the work of genuine students. The government’s refusal to compromise with protestors has led to an unpredictable political climate, with many uncertain about what will come next.
