Protesters clashed with police for a third day in Albania's capital, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and better support for students, including lower tuition fees and improved university conditions. Demonstrations also spread to other cities beyond Tirana.
Police said 51 officers were injured during Wednesday's protests and 65 people were arrested on suspicion of attacking police officers, institutions, and property. Tirana's public hospital reported that seven injured protesters sought medical treatment. The clashes followed hours of violence on Tuesday and Wednesday, when demonstrators broke into several government buildings and set at least one on fire.
In written responses to Reuters, Rama rejected calls for his resignation, saying, "As for calls for my resignation, governments are changed through democratic elections. We had elections last year, not a revolution." He said his responsibility is "to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward" and warned that resignation would be "a betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership."
Rama expressed willingness to discuss the rising cost of education but condemned the violence. "Attacking institutions, destroying public property and threatening public safety have nothing to do with the legitimate demands of students," he said.
The protests represent the biggest challenge to Rama since he won a fourth term last year. They follow months of mostly peaceful demonstrations sparked by student grievances.