Tougher Security Response Won't Solve Albania's Growing Crisis: Experts

For three days, streets in central Tirana have been taken over by university students and high-school pupils who have boycotted classes to protest against the government. Demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails and stones have clashed with police, who have attempted to disperse them using tear gas, rubber batons and water cannon. The unrest has spread to other cities, including Shkodra, Durres and Korca. The main demand of the protests is the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Since coming to power in 2013, Rama has become increasingly powerful as Prime Minister, while other democratic institutions have weakened, analysts argue. This is why the anger expressed at the protests has been directed at him personally. The young participants have also voiced demands for better-quality education, improved living conditions and greater job opportunities. Subscribe to Balkan Insight Premium to read the full article. Please login to your account below if you are already a Premium Subscriber. Buy Premium Subscription Our Premium Service gives you full access to all content published on BalkanInsight.com, including analyses, investigations, comments, interviews and more. Choose your subscription today and get unparalleled in-depth coverage of the Southern and Eastern Europe. Buy Premium Subscription If you have trouble logging in or any other questions regarding you account, please contact us