After the capital endured a third night of violent clashes between student-led protesters and police, Edi Rama vowed not to bow to the demands for him to quit.
Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed the opposition and “foreign actors” on Friday for the escalation of violence during student protests in Tirana, describing the continuing unrest as an attempt to hinder Albania’s progress toward the European Union.
Speaking from a kiosk that had been burned down during the protests, Rama tried to suggest that students weren’t the ones leading the violence that has accompanied demonstrations in recent days, while accusing his political opponents of exploiting the discontent of young people for their own ends.
“This whole outbreak of flu is not a student-driven one. This entire hostage-taking of the city by masked individuals has nothing to do with the grievances, the problems or the legitimate aspirations of anyone who desires a better life,” he declared.
“Anyone who says to bow down in the face of violence for a little calm is wrong. Because if you bow down in the face of violence for a bit of calm, it means you lose your way for a long time,” he added.
Rama extended his accusations to include “foreign actors” but did not identify them or present any evidence of their involvement. He has refused to resign, saying any change of government should come at the ballot box. His Socialist Party won re-election with a landslide victory last year.
The student and civic protests continued for the third consecutive day in Tirana on Thursday and spread to several other cities across the country, including Durres, Shkoder, Korce and Elbasan. As in the capital, there were violent clashes, the widespread use of tear gas and high-pressure water cannons, as well as arson and looting of public institutions and private businesses.
Photo: EPA/MALTON DIBRA
The protest in Tirana continued for more than 12 hours with both university students and high school pupils involved.
Student demonstrations began outside the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, calling for the government’s resignation, better university conditions and highlighting the high cost of living.
Photo: EPA/MALTON DIBRA
The students were initially called on to the streets by the so-called “Flamingo Revolution” protesters. Their daily protests started in June as environmental demonstrations, but then evolved into an anti-government movement demanding that Rama step down.
Photo: EPA/MALTON DIBRA