Albania: Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters on Thursday that he would not resign over violent student-led protests that entered a third consecutive day, saying governments are changed through democratic elections, not revolutions.
The prime minister earlier visited a burnt building that housed the College of Europe in Tirana, blaming opposition forces rather than students for the destruction.
Police used water cannon to disperse protesters who smashed windows and damaged property in the capital, prompting parliament to cancel its session.
Students protesting against rising education costs and corruption have called for Rama’s resignation.
The protests mark the biggest challenge yet to Rama, who won a fourth term last year, with European Union (EU) membership at the centre of his campaign.
Rama said he was willing to discuss the rising cost of education but added in a written response to Reuters: “Attacking institutions, destroying public property and threatening public safety have nothing to do with the legitimate demands of students.”
The protests follow months of mostly peaceful demonstrations sparked by plans to build a luxury resort on Albania’s southern coast, backed by Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. The project has faced legal challenges.
