Albania's anti-government protests turned violent for a sixth straight day on Sunday, as police in Tirana fired water cannon and tear gas at crowds demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Rama, in power since 2013, says he will not step down.
Since Tuesday, 272 people have been injured, including 169 police officers, AFP reported.
Why are Albanians protesting?
The protests are led largely by high school and university students, according to Euronews and AFP. Their demands include:
- Rama's resignation over corruption allegations
- Better university conditions and lower tuition fees
- More financial support and job opportunities for young people
Protester Lura Elezi, a 38-year-old writer, told AFP she was there for "a better life, rule of law and against crime and corruption."
The unrest follows months of protests that began over a controversial luxury resort development linked to the family of US President Donald Trump.
How violent has it been?
| Day | What happened |
|---|---|
| Tue., Oct. 13 | Windows smashed at the Socialist Party headquarters; a police station and the interior ministry entrance set on fire |
| Fri., Oct. 16 | Water cannon used in Tirana |
| Sat., Oct. 17 | A court, banks and a post office burned or badly damaged; police fire rubber bullets for the first time |
| Sun., Oct. 18 | Sixth day of clashes; water cannon and tear gas |
How many have been hurt or arrested?
| Injured since Tuesday (AFP) | 272, including 169 police |
| Arrested (police, as of Saturday) | 167 |
| Detained in Tirana on Saturday | 54, with 27 facing criminal charges |
| Police officers suspended | 7, over alleged excessive force |
What has Rama said?
In a video on Sunday, Rama ruled out resigning and called the unrest "the work of an outside hand." He has said he backs the right to protest but that masked people vandalising businesses are criminals who will be held accountable.
He also cancelled an official visit to Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker planned for Monday.
How has the world reacted?
The European Commission condemned the violence and said the response "must remain proportionate." The US Embassy in Tirana urged "restraint and calm on all sides."
Albania is an EU candidate country, and its handling of the protests will be closely watched in Brussels.
Albania's unrest comes as cost-of-living protests also hit France, Italy, Belgium and Portugal. Read why Europe is protesting.
What to watch
The students. Whether student groups keep up daily protests or negotiate with the government on education demands.
Policing. The first use of rubber bullets and the suspension of officers will keep pressure on the interior ministry.
The opposition. Rama blames his conservative opponents for stirring the unrest; whether opposition parties try to lead the movement could change its course.
