Edi Rama Blames Foreign Forces for Student Protests, Accuses Opposition of Inciting Violence

 TIRANA, Albania — Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the student protests, claiming that foreign forces that do not want Albania to remain stable or continue its path toward European Union integration are behind the latest developments.

 

Speaking from a building damaged by fire, Rama argued that the demonstrations had moved away from their original purpose and that acts of violence did not represent the concerns and demands of students.

The head of government accused the opposition of encouraging violence and attempting to obstruct the country's progress.

“The old hand that has followed Albania, and we know whose hand it is, is today also supported by foreign hands that do not want Albania to be peaceful,” Rama declared.

He added that, in his view, it was no coincidence that tensions erupted when the country was moving closer to its goal of joining the European Union.

However, Rama acknowledged that students, business owners, and citizens have the right to demand better conditions and solutions to the problems affecting them.

He said the government was prepared to address their demands but would not back down in the face of violence. According to the prime minister, public grievances should be addressed through dialogue, without compromising public order and security.

Rama's claims about foreign involvement and the opposition's role in the unrest were not substantiated with specific evidence in the statements presented.