Albania Youth Protests Challenge Rama as Young Lawmaker Demands Change

Albania’s capital, Tirana, has witnessed mass student protests demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation, fuelled by public anger over corruption, unemployment and a lack of trust in the government. Demonstrations turned violent this week, with protesters setting fire to government buildings and banks and clashing with police. Authorities reported around 500 arrests, 120 police officers injured and 45 protesters hurt, although the actual number of injured demonstrators may be higher.

At the centre of the unrest is 25-year-old independent lawmaker Marjana Koceku, who was initially selected by Rama to represent his Socialist Party but later broke away over disagreements with government policies. Joining the demonstrations, Koceku called for a different political direction, greater protection of the country’s natural environment and policies that reflect citizens’ needs. Rama, who has been in power since 2013 and won a fourth term last year, has rejected calls to resign, insisting that governments should change through democratic elections rather than violence.

The protests follow months of demonstrations over a proposed luxury resort on Albania’s southern coastline, backed by investors including Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The development has faced legal challenges amid allegations from villagers that their land was wrongfully sold, while separate corruption allegations have also affected Rama’s administration. Koceku and other protesters argue that protecting Albania’s land, communities and future must take priority over controversial political and development decisions.

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