Violent protests in Albania over Trump resort turn into broader uprising

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 15:19 · Archive

Students in Albania have clashed with riot police for multiple consecutive nights, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama resign over a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner.

Violent protests have erupted across Albania over multiple consecutive nights, with students and young people at the forefront of demonstrations that began over a luxury resort development. Police in riot gear have responded with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets as protesters set up barricades using burning rubbish bins and hurled rocks. Demonstrators report injuries including broken legs, spinal injuries and wounds from rubber bullets.

The protests were initially sparked by plans for a luxury resort in ecologically sensitive areas, a project championed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. After five months of peaceful protest against the development, the unrest escalated into broader grievances against the Albanian government. Protesters have described Prime Minister Edi Rama as corrupt and a 'public enemy', demanding his resignation alongside that of opposition leader Sali Berisha.

Activist Ervin Goci said 'There is no stepping back now. This will continue. The protests will widen and will intensify.' Students cite grievances including high education costs and lack of opportunities in Albania. On Wednesday, the ministry of education was set on fire and masked protesters attacked the prime minister's office as well as finance and interior ministry buildings. Clashes have spread to cities including Durres, Shkoder, Lezhe, Vlore, Korce and Gjirokaster.

Prime Minister Rama pledged to 'listen to the voices of young people' taking to the streets, but has resolutely refused demands to resign. Dutch MEP Tineke Strik accused Rama of inflaming the situation by continuing to pursue the resort project despite months of peaceful opposition.

How it is being reported

• Albania accused of rushing through Trump-linked resort in formerly protected landscapeDutch MEP says government is trying to avoid EU environmental rules as protests over luxury development turn violent MEPs have accused Albania of deploying “sneaky” practices to fast-track a proposed Trump-linked luxury resort in the country amid protests that have turned increasingly violent. As the prime minister, Edi Rama, pledged to “listen to the voices of young people” taking to the streets, there was mounting criticism of his failure to address demonstrators who had long opposed the controversial project peacefully. Continue reading...The Guardian · 19 Oct, 14:53
• Violent Albanian protests sparked by luxury Trump resort ramp up amid demands for PM to resignPolice in riot gear responded with tear gas, water canons and rubber bullets as student-led demonstrations turned violentIndependent World · 17 Oct, 17:09

In this story: Edi Rama · Jared Kushner · Sali Berisha · Albania · Tirana · Donald Trump

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem