Monday, Edi Rama seized a moment amid growing unrest, condemning the arson of a police station in Tirana and warning that violence would not be tolerated. The fire, set by demonstrators, followed clashes that started last Tuesday over university reforms, corruption allegations and calls for his resignation.
The protests, now in their third week, have turned increasingly volatile. Demonstrators have demanded better conditions for students, accused the government of corruption, and demanded Rama step down. Violence has escalated, with stones hurled at police, tear gas deployed, and several buildings damaged.
Earlier Monday afternoon, a swarm of hundreds gathered outside the education ministry. The police responded with tear gas, forcing the crowd to disperse. The clash left dozens injured, with police making up more than half of the wounded.
22‑year‑old science student Leka Sina told AFP that the crowd was not criminal. "We will keep marching until Rama resigns," he said. He added that the government must reflect deeply on the uprising.
Police have used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets across the city to break up the protests. According to authorities, around 300 people were injured so far, with over 150 police casualties. The government has called for a calm, but the situation remains tense.
Rama said he was prepared for dialogue with peaceful demonstrators, but would not engage with those who use violence or parties that do not disassociate from it. He called the "red line" a clear boundary for democratic development. The police will maintain a heightened presence at key sites as clashes continue.