Thousands of students and young people from across Albania gathered in Tirana on October 31, marking the 19th consecutive day of demonstrations against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. The protesters are demanding Rama’s resignation and a change in the country’s political leadership, as the student movement continues to grow into a broader anti-government protest.
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Students Reject Political Parties
One of the most significant aspects of the protest has been the demonstrators’ refusal to allow political parties to take control of the movement.
Organizers have insisted that the demonstrations are a social movement rather than a party-led campaign. Protesters also rejected the participation of Democratic Party (PD) representatives who attempted to join the gathering.
The slogans were directed not only against Prime Minister Edi Rama but also against opposition leader Sali Berisha. The students' message was that they do not want to become political instruments for either side and reject the established political leadership.
More Than 2,000 Police Officers Deployed
More than 2,000 police officers were reportedly deployed across Tirana, including members of the Special Intervention Forces (FNSH) and the special police unit known as “Shqiponja”.
Government buildings were surrounded by metal barriers, while water-cannon vehicles were also positioned near key locations.
Tensions escalated outside the Prime Minister’s Office, where opposition figures, including Tedi Blushi and Belind Këlliçi, reportedly attempted to break through the police cordon. Physical confrontations followed, while protesters set fire to rubbish bins in several central areas of Tirana.
Rama’s Resignation Becomes the Main Demand
The students say they will not enter into dialogue with the government unless their demands are fully addressed. Their central demand has increasingly become the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The protests, which began with student grievances over education and university conditions, have developed into a wider movement challenging the government and the country's political establishment.
The 19th day of demonstrations has also underlined the protesters' rejection of the traditional opposition as a political alternative. They are demanding not simply a change of government, but a different political direction, while refusing to place their movement under the control of any existing party.
With demonstrations continuing and the government facing growing pressure, the political crisis in Albania remains unresolved.