Albanian PM blames foreign interference as student protests intensify

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 00:44 · Archive

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed foreign involvement for escalating student protests in Tirana calling for his resignation.

Violent clashes between police and protesters have continued for four consecutive days in Tirana, with thousands of young Albanians demonstrating against poor university conditions and high tuition fees. Police have deployed tear gas and water cannons, while protesters have hurled stones and set fires to rubbish bins and government buildings, including the finance ministry and prime minister's office. According to police, 160 people were detained over alleged acts of violence on Thursday evening.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed 'foreign hands' that do not wish for Albania to be at peace for escalating the unrest. He insisted the protest had 'absolutely nothing to do with the hardships, problems or legitimate aspirations of anyone who desires a better life'. Rama rejected calls for his resignation but said he would be ready to discuss rising education costs.

The demonstrations have spread beyond Tirana to other cities including Elbasan, Shkodra and Korca, with reports of window-smashing and further violence. Al Jazeera reports that the ongoing escalation follows months of mostly peaceful demonstrations originally sparked by the sale of part of Albania's coastline to a luxury resort development. Demonstrators are demanding Rama's resignation alongside electoral and education reforms.

How it is being reported

• Albanian PM blames ‘foreign hands’ for unrest as student protests intensifyRiot police clash with protesters for fourth day, as young Albanians protest corruption and poor university conditionsAl Jazeera · 17 Oct, 00:27
• Clashes grip Tirana as Albanian PM blames 'foreign hands' for protestsFrance 24 · 16 Oct, 20:59

In this story: Edi Rama · Tirana · Albania · Elbasan · Shkodra · Korca · European Union · Jared Kushner

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