Albania's capital saw violent clashes between protesters and police as student-led demonstrations continued, with Prime Minister Edi Rama refusing to resign despite calls for his ousting. The protests, now in their third day, have intensified over concerns about a luxury resort development linked to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, sparking fears of further violence and political instability.
Demonstrators, primarily students, have been demanding Rama's resignation, citing issues of corruption, poor education, and the sale of southern coastline land for a luxury resort. The protests have led to the destruction of public property, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Rama has denied corruption allegations and emphasized his commitment to addressing education costs while rejecting resignation demands.
The unrest highlights Albania's challenges in maintaining EU membership aspirations, with the country aiming for entry as early as 2028. Analysts warn that ongoing protests could undermine Rama's government and Albania's EU accession efforts, as the nation grapples with corruption and political turmoil. The EU has called for constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis and prevent further escalation.