Albanian police fire rubber bullets as student protesters call for PM to quit

Albanian police discharged rubber bullets at student demonstrators on Saturday, marking the fifth day of mass protests calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. Video footage from Reuters showed police firing a shotgun towards crowds near the education ministry, resulting in clashes with protesters. The incident saw protesters burn government buildings, hurl rocks at police, and use tear gas and water cannons in response.

Police chief Skender Hita confirmed the use of rubber bullets, stating that all measures were used "in a limited manner." Seven officers have been suspended and face disciplinary investigations for "exceeding their authority" and "failing to respect the principle of proportionality." The protests are driven by anger over perceived government corruption, unemployment, and poor education standards.

The unrest poses a significant challenge to Rama, who won a fourth term in office last year. Seven people have been arrested and 388 prosecuted. The Albanian government condemns the unrest and calls for calm, with the police chief noting that 1,067 people have been arrested and 388 criminally prosecuted. The protests have drawn support from individuals who felt marginalized during a summer of largely peaceful protests against a luxury coastal development backed by Jared Kushner.

Analysts say Albania has become a hub for money laundering from drug and weapons trafficking, complicating its EU accession efforts. Rama dismisses the accusations of wrongdoing and emphasizes his commitment to protecting citizens, ensuring justice, and moving Albania forward. The unrest is occurring alongside similar protests in France and Spain, where students demand better educational facilities and housing.