TIRANA: Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday rejected calls to resign as thousands of student-led protesters smashed windows and clashed with riot police firing water cannon and tear gas in the capital. The protests, now in their third day, mark the biggest challenge yet to Rama, who won a fourth term last year with European Union membership at the centre of his campaign. Parliament cancelled its session as the violence erupted again nearby.
Protesters voiced anger about perceived corruption, the cost and quality of education and a deal to sell off parts of the country's southern coastline to a luxury resort development backed by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. They demanded Rama's resignation, saying no one had listened to their concerns during a summer of largely peaceful protests over the development. A student who gave her name as Kiara said the cost of living, poor job prospects and alleged corruption were the main issues.
"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 in a written statement. Rama, whose government denies corruption, said he would be ready to discuss the rising cost of education, but added: "Attacking institutions, destroying public property and threatening public safety have nothing to do with the legitimate demands of students."
Albania, which along with Montenegro is leading the accession process among Balkan countries, is aiming for EU entry as early as 2028. An EU mission to Albania said in a statement on X: "Constructive dialogue is the only way forward." — Reuters
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