Albanian students demand Rama’s resignation

Students in Albania joined anti-government demonstrations in Tirana, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over poor university conditions, high tuition fees and inadequate support for young people. On the protests’ fifth day, clashes with police using rubber bullets and tear gas, among other measures, led to nine protesters and four officers receiving medical treatment; 167 people were arrested. The demonstrations, which began in May over a luxury hotel project in a coastal nature reserve linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, have broadened to include corruption allegations and calls for accountability. The European Union expressed concern about the violent escalation and urged a prompt investigation into allegations of excessive police force.