Albania’s PM dismisses calls to resign as student protests spread

Tirana, Albania (AP) — Student-led demonstrators clashed with Albanian police for the third consecutive day on Thursday, joining a broader anti-government movement against a major development project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Youth protesters hurled rocks at a police cordon outside the Education Ministry, while riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons, detaining several demonstrators.

Earlier on Wednesday, riots erupted, with protesters attacking government buildings, banks, and businesses, leaving 89 people injured, including 61 police officers. The protests were fueled by student groups advocating for education reforms who have aligned with the "flamingo movement," demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation due to allegations of corruption and opposition to a luxury tourism development linked to an investment firm founded by Kushner.

The movement, dubbed after protesters using pink bird imagery, saw high school students join thousands in marches through Tirana's center, chanted "Rama Resign!" and vowed to keep demonstrating daily. Though largely peaceful, the rallies turned violent when confronting police, with youth groups breaking off to attack government buildings and storefronts.

Albanian Prime Minister Rama, in a video message from a burned-out college building, blamed political opponents for inciting the violence, vowing to continue as prime minister to advance Albania's EU aspirations. "We will all get through these difficult hours together because Albania will continue to climb, because Albania will continue on its path to Europe," he asserted.

Rama's Socialist party, which secured a fourth consecutive election win last year, called for early elections, accusing the opposition of stoking unrest. The EU expressed concern over the escalating violence, urging authorities to respond proportionately.