Albania’s Rama rejects resignation calls amid third day of student protests

Summary

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected calls to resign Thursday as student-led protests and clashes with police continued in Tirana for a third day, according to France 24 and Fox News. France 24 reports that demonstrators accuse officials of corruption and neglecting education, and oppose a luxury resort development backed by Jared Kushner. The Guardian says the protests had rattled Tirana since June, that students took control of the demonstrations, and that Rama said governments change through elections, referring to last year’s vote. This follows earlier reports that riots erupted in Albania’s capital as students joined an anti-government movement.

Timeline

1. France 24

   14 Oct 2026, 22:35 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that protests in Albania turned violent as demonstrators demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.

2. France 24

   15 Oct 2026, 10:06 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Albanian students protested over education and jobs and clashed with police.

3. The Guardian

   15 Oct 2026, 10:34 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Rama vowed not to resign amid student-led protests and clashes in Tirana, and says a proposal for a Trump family-backed resort initially prompted the movement.

4. France 24

   15 Oct 2026, 12:27 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that student protests spread in Albania as demonstrators called for the prime minister’s resignation.

5. Fox News

   15 Oct 2026, 13:44 UTCSource ↗

   Fox News reports that Rama vowed not to resign as protests entered a third day in Tirana, where police used tear gas and water cannons.

6. France 24

   15 Oct 2026, 15:02 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that police and protesters faced off in Albania on the third day of anti-government demonstrations.

7. France 24

   15 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Rama rejected calls to resign as thousands of student-led protesters smashed windows and fought running battles with riot police using water cannon and tear gas; it says demonstrators accuse officials of corruption and neglecting education and oppose a luxury resort development backed by Jared Kushner.