The key facts

  • The protests began on Tuesday and spread to other cities; on Thursday, an attempt to enter parliament disrupted its work
  • Police used tear gas and water cannons; according to police, 160 people were detained
  • Edi Rama called for calm and spoke of 'external forces'; an EU delegation called on the authorities to respond proportionately

Clashes in Tirana and other cities

Clashes are taking place in the Albanian capital Tirana between protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the police. During the protests, attacks were carried out on government buildings, and some structures were damaged. The protests began on Tuesday and subsequently spread to other cities in the country.

Parliament's work disrupted, 160 people detained

On Thursday, protesters gathered near the Ministry of Education and the parliament building. Their attempts to enter parliament disrupted the session. Police used tear gas and water cannons; protesters threw stones at law enforcement officers, burned garbage, and blocked roads. According to police, 160 people were detained following the unrest that began on Thursday evening.

Protesters' demands and the Kushner tourism project

The majority of protesters are young people and students. They demand action against corruption, a halt to rising prices, and reform of the education system; some criticized the government's handling of the protests. One of the major causes of discontent is a tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Critics see it as a symbol of problems related to corruption and inequality in society. Anti-government protests have been going on for several months already.

Reaction from Rama and the European Union

Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a video address on Friday, called on protesters to remain peaceful and stated that 'external forces' seeking instability in Albania were behind the unrest. The European Union delegation in Albania expressed concern about the situation and called on the official authorities to give a proportionate response to the protests.