TIRANA, Albania — Violent protests erupted in Albania’s capital on Thursday as thousands of students took to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, amid broader frustrations over rising education costs, corruption, and economic hardship. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing for several months, escalated sharply this week, bringing much of Tirana to a standstill.
Protesters, mainly high school and university students, blocked roads by setting fires, ripping up wrought-iron fencing, and pulling up concrete blocks to create barricades. They also targeted government buildings and financial institutions, throwing rocks and breaking windows. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, and by Thursday, at least 55 people had been arrested with nearly 100 others charged in connection to the disturbances. The health ministry reported 89 people injured, including 61 police officers and 18 protesters.
The unrest is tied in part to opposition against a proposed luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The development, planned for a coastal area in southern Albania, drew sharp criticism from residents and environmental activists. Protests initially began peacefully but grew in intensity following an incident in late May where private security guards removed a protester from the site. The movement, sometimes called the “flamingo revolution” in reference to local wildlife, has become a focal point for broader grievances over political patronage and economic inequality.
Prime Minister Rama, who last year secured a fourth term in office with a decisive parliamentary win, accused opposition groups of seeking to disrupt Albania’s ambitions to join the European Union. On Thursday, he visited the College of Europe’s Tirana campus, which had been set on fire during the protests, and warned that those responsible for the unrest would face consequences. Rama reaffirmed his refusal to resign, stating that stepping down would betray the voters who entrusted him with the mandate to lead EU accession negotiations.
Meanwhile, the government has put the controversial resort project on hold pending an environmental assessment. The prime minister also faces criticism from the opposition and protesters for what they describe as government neglect of public education and essential services, while allowing foreign-backed developments to proceed.
The protests have drawn support from diverse groups, including student coalitions and soccer fan clubs. Some local business owners have expressed concern over the violence and damage to properties amid the ongoing disorder.
“The government will have to make a decision, to resign, to put the police out or the army, because this chaos cannot be endless,” said Arian Krypci, head of administrative security at FiBank, standing before a damaged branch near the prime minister’s office.
Protest organizers have vowed to maintain pressure until their chief demand—the prime minister’s resignation—is met, with many acknowledging uncertainty about how the protests might evolve. The situation remains volatile as Albania grapples with a complex mix of political, social, and economic challenges.