Protests in Albania escalated this week, pushing Tirana into a tense situation. Thousands of students and protesters have blocked roads, set fire to trash bins and bus stations, and thrown stones at government buildings and banks.
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In an article published by the New York Times, it is noted that anger over the high costs of education has merged with grievances over corruption, the rising cost of living, and a luxury resort project in southern Albania.
According to the newspaper, protests that had been ongoing for months over these issues have turned into violent clashes in the capital, where high school students, university students, and other citizens have taken to the streets.
Anila Shehu, a third-year engineering student, told the newspaper that citizens have been protesting for more than four months, demanding the prime minister’s removal, but she claims their demands have not been heard.
“For this reason, we will continue to protest by every means and in every possible way, until Rama resigns. Enough is enough,” she declared.
Meanwhile, Emir Lecini, a member of the student group that helped launch the protests, said the situation has become difficult to control.
According to him, football fan groups and other citizens dissatisfied with the government have also joined the student protests.
Lecini stressed that the demand for Rama’s resignation remains unchanged.
In a response to Reuters, the prime minister ruled out the possibility of resigning, arguing that stepping down would be a betrayal of the citizens who gave him a mandate to complete the European Union accession negotiations.
Meanwhile, protesters insist they will not stop without his resignation.
