Foto: BB.LV / Эди Рама
Rama made this statement on Monday, October 19, during a meeting with police officers. His words were reported by Bloomberg. "The moment the state starts negotiating with such people, it will collapse," the head of government stated. Rama accused the demonstrators of attempting to achieve a change of power through force and emphasized that his mandate, which runs until 2029, can only be challenged at the polls. "Dialogue at any time, on any day, anywhere, with anyone, except for those political forces that are behind the violence and refuse to distance themselves from it," the Prime Minister added. He also threatened to revoke scholarships and state financial assistance for students involved in the violence. According to Rama, the parents of minors participating in the riots and destruction will bear financial responsibility for the damage caused. The current unrest has become one of the most serious tests for Rama, who has led the Albanian government since 2013. Last year, he won the elections and secured a fourth term as Prime Minister. The protests followed several months of predominantly peaceful demonstrations triggered by plans to build a luxury resort on the southern coast of the country. Among the project's investors is Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. In recent days, protests in Tirana have intensified. On October 15, an incident was reported at the College of Europe office in the Albanian capital amid student demonstrations. On October 18, Rama stated that the mass demonstrations threaten not only his government but also the country's progress towards joining the European Union. Earlier, the European Commission condemned instances of violence in Tirana and other cities in Albania during anti-government protests.
