OMM Newsroom
Thousands of people took to the streets of Tirana, Albania’s capital, on October 31, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, AnewZ reported. Protesters voiced dissatisfaction with the government over corruption allegations, a lack of jobs and poor-quality education.
As tensions rose, police used water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. Rezarta Sadikaj, a 22-year-old architecture student, said Albanian citizens had long been overlooked. She accused politicians of corruption and called on Rama to resign.
Arlind Fama, a 25-year-old law student, said protests would continue until the demonstrators’ demands were met. “We will never stop these protests. There may be fewer students and citizens in the streets on some days, but the demonstrations will continue until Edi Rama resigns,” he said.
A 27-year-old protester identified as Evis, wearing a gas mask around his neck, criticized the opposition, saying it had failed to force the government to answer for its actions.
Police used water cannons against protesters during the rally. A small explosion later occurred near police positions. A drone that approached the protesters subsequently hit a tree and fell to the ground, prompting cheers from the crowd.
The latest tensions followed largely peaceful protests held over the summer against a planned luxury development on the coast backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The protests are seen as a serious test for Rama’s government. He has been in power since 2013 and was elected to a fourth term last year.
Opposition disrupts parliamentary session
On October 29, opposition lawmakers in Albania disrupted a parliamentary session by lighting flares, following weeks of violent anti-government protests. Members of the Democratic Party of Albania also blocked access to the podium as a bill on the Central Bank was put to a vote.
Opposition leader Sali Berisha said in his speech: “The ruling party’s lawmakers are criminals, and tear gas, rubber bullets, split skulls and broken bones should be directed at them, not at young people.” His microphone was later switched off.
Rama introduces fines for violence
Rama announced new measures to curb violence. People who take part in a protest that turns violent, even if they do not personally commit acts of violence, could be fined 500,000 lek ($6,200).
The prime minister called on students to engage in dialogue. He also announced economic measures aimed at ending street violence, including lowering fuel prices and allocating more funds to low-income families.
