Fresh Protests Erupt in Albania Despite New Measures
Fresh anti-government protests erupted in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on Sunday, October 25, despite new measures announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama to curb unrest. Demonstrators gathered outside the Education Ministry before marching to the prime minister’s office, where they set fire to chairs placed there as an invitation for dialogue with the government.
The student-led demonstrations, which have spread to other cities, are driven by allegations of government corruption, a lack of employment opportunities and concerns over poor education standards. Protesters demanding Rama’s resignation have targeted government buildings and banks, damaged shop windows and clashed with police. The unrest follows months of largely peaceful protests against a luxury coastal development backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
In response, Rama announced a fine of 500,000 Albanian lek (around $6,188) for anyone participating in a protest that turns violent, even if the individual does not personally commit violent acts. While rejecting calls for his resignation through violence, Rama acknowledged that not all protesters’ demands were wrong. The demonstrations pose a significant challenge to the prime minister, who has been in power since 2013 and secured a fourth term last year.
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