Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Monday he remained willing to meet demonstrators but would exclude people involved in violence, as protests against his government entered their seventh day.
A contemporaneous transcription of Rama’s Facebook post also records him ruling out talks with political parties that had not distanced themselves from violence. Protesters gathered outside the Education Ministry and called for his resignation.
Panorama reported clashes near the Court of Appeal in central Tirana. Euronews Albania said police later dispersed protesters near Rinia Park. It also reported that some students boycotted classes and marched in Lezhe, Vlore, Elbasan and Shkoder.
The latest wave began Oct. 13. Protesters have raised concerns about corruption and living costs alongside education costs and university conditions, Anadolu reported. EconoTimes covered the demonstrations on Sunday, Oct. 18, as they entered their sixth day.
A joint statement from civil society and media groups urged authorities to facilitate peaceful demonstrations, reduce tensions and prevent injuries. It said any police use of force must be lawful, strictly necessary and proportionate, with peaceful means used first. The signatories identified protesters, police, journalists and bystanders as facing safety risks.
Euronews Albania listed an Oct. 20 Socialist Party parliamentary meeting as the next scheduled political indicator.
