Tougher Security Response Won’t Solve Albania’s Growing Crisis: Experts

For three days, streets in central Tirana have been taken over by university students and high-school pupils who have boycotted classes to protest against the government.

Demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails and stones have clashed with police, who have attempted to disperse them using tear gas, rubber batons and water cannon. The unrest has spread to other cities, including Shkodra, Durres and Korca.

The main demand of the protests is the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Since coming to power in 2013, Rama has become increasingly powerful as Prime Minister, while other democratic institutions have weakened, analysts argue. This is why the anger expressed at the protests has been directed at him personally.

The young participants have also voiced demands for better-quality education, improved living conditions and greater job opportunities.