Student Protests in Tirana Enter Third Day as Rama Rejects Resignation

Student-led protests in Tirana entered a third day on 15 October 2026. Demonstrators smashed windows, damaged property and clashed with police, who used water cannon. Parliament cancelled its session. Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters he would not resign. “As for calls for my resignation, governments are changed through democratic elections. We had elections last year, not a revolution,” he said. He added that his responsibility is to address legitimate concerns while continuing EU membership negotiations.

The protests began over rising education costs, university conditions, limited financial support and employment prospects after graduation. On 14 October, tens of thousands of students set fire to part of the education ministry building and two banks and hurled stones at police. At least 16 people were arrested in connection with violence on Tuesday, with higher figures reported for Wednesday. Streets were littered with burned garbage bins, shattered bus stops and broken traffic lights. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu called for calm and said Albania does not need to burn to change.

The unrest follows months of anti-government demonstrations linked to a luxury tourism project in a protected coastal area associated with Jared Kushner. Protesters have alleged corruption and lack of transparency. Opposition leader Sali Berisha praised the students. Organisers have framed the action as a demand for systemic change rather than support for any particular party. Some demonstrators described deep social inequality and a gulf between rich and poor.

Police have been criticised for the scale of their response. Multiple injuries were reported among protesters, civilians and officers. The government has condemned the destruction of public property and attacks on institutions. Rama’s Socialist Party won a fourth term in elections last year. He has tied his remaining tenure to the completion of EU accession talks.

The combination of education grievances and the earlier Kushner-linked controversy has produced the most sustained street violence in Tirana in recent years. Further protests are expected as long as the core demands on costs, conditions and accountability remain unmet. The immediate effect has been disruption in the capital, cancelled parliamentary business and heightened security around government buildings.