Albania PM Blames Foreign Agitators as Riots Spread Beyond Tirana

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has pointed fingers at outside forces for stirring up violence, claiming foreign hands want to keep the nation from finding peace. This comes as riot police met protesters in the streets outside the education ministry for a fourth straight day. Thousands of young Albanians marched through Tirana on Friday, angry over corruption and the crumbling state of their universities.

"This is not a student phenomenon," Rama declared during a video address on Friday. He insisted the unrest had absolutely nothing to do with the real hardships or legitimate aspirations of anyone seeking a better life. Instead, he blamed external agitators who do not wish for Albania to be at peace. The reality on the ground told a different story. Police officers deployed water cannon and tear gas while demonstrators hurled rocks back at them.

The trouble has spilled out of the capital. Local media reported that unrest reached Elbasan, Shkodra, and Korca. There, crowds broke windows and set fire to rubbish bins. The escalation follows months of mostly peaceful demonstrations. It all started when part of Albania's coastline was sold for a luxury resort development linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

Now the anger has turned toward banks and government buildings. On Tuesday alone, protesters threw bricks and concrete blocks at the education ministry. Flames consumed several structures across the city, including the prime minister's office, the finance and justice ministry buildings, and branches of several banks. According to a police statement released after events on Thursday evening, 160 people were detained for alleged acts of violence.

Demonstrators are calling for Rama to step down and demanding electoral and education reforms. The government denies any corruption exists. Rama said he was ready to discuss rising education costs but rejected the calls to resign outright. His dismissal would be a betrayal of the Albanians who gave him a strong mandate, he argued. He aims to finish negotiations on European Union membership by 2028.

Corruption scandals are complicating these goals. Analysts say the country serves as a hub for gangs laundering money from drug and weapons trafficking. Rama won his fourth term last year promising to take Albania into the EU. Yet, with riots spreading and buildings burning, that promise hangs heavy over a nation on edge.