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The Albanian prime minister acknowledges that young people’s concerns over education, the cost of living and the lack of opportunities are justified, but accuses masked groups of resorting to violence. Rama rules out resignation, saying governments change through elections, not Molotov cocktails.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has told the Greek newspaper Kathimerini that he has no intention of stepping down, despite the violent protests that have swept Tirana in recent weeks.
In the interview, Rama distinguishes between students protesting for a better future and masked individuals who, he says, seek to destabilize the country. He also refers to individuals he associates with the Antifa movement, arguing that a minority of protesters see violence as a path to power.
“A minority believes that setting the country on fire is the shortest route to power,” the prime minister says.
Asked about protesters’ demands for better education, action against corruption and a lower cost of living, Rama acknowledges that not everything in Albania has been done as it should and that young people’s concerns require concrete responses.
“I have never claimed that everything in Albania has been done as it should. I do not believe that young people should simply accept what we have achieved so far. Their concerns regarding education, the cost of living and the lack of real opportunities are justified and require concrete responses,” he says.
Rama says the 2027 budget will include additional measures for families, public services and students. He adds that he has invited students and professors to engage in open dialogue and is willing to consider serious proposals, including those from his harshest critics.
However, the prime minister insists that a distinction must be made between student protests and the violent actions of masked groups. According to Rama, these groups throw Molotov cocktails, attack public buildings and damage private property. He also refers to individuals whom he claims have links to the Antifa movement.
On corruption, Rama says that tackling the issue falls within the remit of the justice institutions, rather than groups that use violence while claiming to represent young people.
“The fight against corruption falls within the competence of the justice institutions. It is not a matter for those who use violence to claim that they represent an entire generation,” he says.
Asked directly whether he intends to resign, Rama rules out the possibility, referring to the mandate he says the Albanian people gave his government in last year’s elections.
“No. In a democracy, governments change through elections, not through Molotov cocktails. The Albanian people gave us a clear mandate last year, and I intend to fulfil it,” the prime minister says.
He stresses that calling for his resignation is part of democratic life but rejects any attempt to force him out through violence.
“Anyone can call for my resignation; that is part of democratic life. No one has the right to impose it through violence,” he says.
Rama concludes by emphasizing that his duty is to listen to citizens’ grievances, protect their rights and continue working towards Albania’s integration into the European Union.
“I will not shirk that responsibility simply because a minority believes that setting the country on fire is the shortest route to power,” he says.
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