TIRANA, Albania, October 15, 2026 — Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has ruled out resigning despite escalating student-led protests that have entered their third consecutive day, as demonstrators demand political accountability, action against corruption and improvements to the country's education system.
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“As for calls for my resignation, governments are changed through democratic elections. We had elections last year, not a revolution,” Rama told Reuters.
The prime minister added that his responsibility was to listen to legitimate concerns while continuing Albania's efforts to join the European Union.
“My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward,” he said, arguing that stepping down would betray voters who had given his government a mandate to complete EU accession negotiations.
Rama Says Violence Must Not Derail Albania’s EU Ambitions
Addressing the unrest, Rama said he would not allow violence to undermine Albania's strategic objective of joining the European Union.
“I will not allow violence to derail Albania’s European future,” he said in his written responses to Reuters.
The prime minister also expressed willingness to discuss rising education costs but rejected attacks on public institutions and the destruction of property.
“Attacking institutions, destroying public property and threatening public safety have nothing to do with the legitimate demands of students,” Rama said.
His comments came after demonstrations in Tirana escalated into clashes with police. Officers deployed water cannons to disperse crowds, while damage to buildings and other property was reported. The unrest also prompted the cancellation of a parliamentary session.
Students Demand Accountability and Education Reforms
The demonstrations have brought together students and other government critics demanding better university conditions, action against corruption and Rama's resignation.
The protests have also intensified broader political tensions in Albania, where opposition to the government has extended beyond education policy to questions of governance and public accountability.
The latest unrest follows months of demonstrations over several issues, including a controversial luxury tourism development on Albania's southern coast linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
While student groups have focused on education costs and university conditions, the demonstrations have increasingly become part of a wider challenge to Rama's government.
Political Tensions and Albania’s European Future
Rama, who secured a fourth consecutive term in 2025, has maintained that his government has a democratic mandate to continue governing and advance negotiations for EU membership.
Albania's accession ambitions remain a central element of the government's political agenda. However, the latest demonstrations have placed renewed attention on corruption allegations, the relationship between public institutions and citizens, and the government's response to social discontent.
The prime minister has blamed violence for threatening public safety while maintaining that legitimate student concerns should be addressed through dialogue.
The coming days will test whether the government can respond to protesters' demands while restoring calm. For now, Rama has made his position clear: he will not resign in response to the demonstrations and intends to continue pursuing Albania's European integration.