Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama issued a call for calm on Friday as anti-government demonstrations entered their fourth consecutive day. In a video message posted to Facebook, the Prime Minister alleged that the ongoing unrest is being stoked by unnamed "foreign hands" that he claimed do not want peace for the Balkan nation. Rama stated that these external forces are the same ones that have previously gripped the Albanian opposition, contributing to multiple instances of destruction within the country.
The protests, which first began on Tuesday, have expanded from the capital of Tirana to other cities across Albania. Thousands of young demonstrators have taken to the streets to demand the Prime Minister's resignation and advocate for education reforms. The escalation of unrest this week follows months of broader anti-government sentiment, which has been fueled by grievances including a controversial luxury tourism project linked to Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner. This project has become a focal point for public anger regarding allegations of corruption and economic inequality.
The demonstrations have seen clashes between protesters and law enforcement. During the unrest, some participants have smashed windows, damaged traffic lights, thrown stones at police, and set fire to rubbish bins to obstruct roads. Authorities have responded to the violence with the use of water cannons and tear gas. One 18-year-old protester named Ledia told reporters that the demonstrators are not criminals, but simply citizens seeking a better future for themselves and their families to avoid leaving the country. Another high school student, who requested to be identified only by her first name, expressed that the government’s perceived arrogance and indifference have only exacerbated the situation.
On Wednesday, the European Union delegation in Albania issued a statement expressing concern over the violent escalation in Tirana and urged authorities to ensure a proportionate response. While the Socialist Party, led by Rama, secured a fourth consecutive election victory last year, the current government is not scheduled to face parliamentary elections until 2029. The administration is currently working toward a target of joining the European Union by 2028.
