Albanian PM condemns 'chaos' as violent unrest spreads

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the escalating violence as protests continued to spread from the capital, Tirana, to smaller cities on Thursday. Student-led demonstrators, demanding Rama's resignation for a third consecutive day, clashed with police in hours-long confrontations. The protesters targeted government buildings, banks, and shopfronts, setting fires and blocking streets.

In Shkodra, protesters smashed city hall windows and pelted party headquarters with stones. Television footage showed clashes in southern coastal cities, with police deploying water cannons and tear gas. The unrest, which began with a controversial resort development project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's family, has been ongoing for months.

Students are particularly concerned about rising costs and poor university conditions. Rama blamed opposition figures for the violence, insisting that those responsible would face consequences. The European Union expressed strong condemnation, urging protesters to exercise restraint and refrain from violence. Over 65 people were arrested, and 71 police officers were injured during the protests.