Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Rejects Resignation Calls Amid Student Protests

Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Thursday that he will not resign despite large-scale student protests in Tirana that turned violent, with demonstrators breaking windows and police responding with water cannon and tear gas.

The protesters, who cite concerns over perceived corruption, the cost and quality of education, and a planned luxury resort on the southern coastline backed by Jared Kushner, demanded Rama’s departure, arguing their grievances were ignored during earlier peaceful demonstrations.

In a written statement to Reuters, Rama emphasized his duty to address legitimate concerns and to continue negotiations for Albania’s European Union membership, adding that stepping down would betray the electorate that gave him a strong mandate.

“My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward. The alternative would be a betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership,” Rama said.

Protester Lulzim Tanushi, a lawyer, accused the government of corruption and claimed Rama has harmed citizens since taking office.

“This government is corrupted, led and governed by a corrupt prime minister. Since Rama came to power he has abused and ruined people’s lives and that is why people are showing their anger — when they were not heard before,” Tanushi said.

The coastal development project has faced legal challenges, with villagers alleging their land was sold improperly. Reuters reported that the individual who sold the land is wanted on drug-trafficking charges, though his lawyer denied the allegations, and found no evidence of wrongdoing by Kushner.

Albania’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts are highlighted as part of its bid for EU accession, targeted for as early as 2028. Rama reiterated that corruption must be confronted and warned that internal and external forces might seek to impede Albania’s progress toward EU membership.

“Corruption must be confronted and, as the EU itself has recently reaffirmed, Albania is tackling it as never before. Perhaps some forces, at home and abroad, do not want Albania to succeed as a forerunner for EU membership. But I will not allow violence to derail Albania’s European future,” Rama said.

The European Union mission to Albania posted on X that constructive dialogue is the only way forward. The unrest mirrors a broader wave of student activism across Europe, including recent protests in France over school conditions.