Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused foreign actors of waging a ‘hybrid war’ to destabilise his government, as violent protests continue for a second week in the capital, Tirana. The unrest, which began over a controversial resort development in an ecologically protected area linked to US President Donald Trump’s family, has escalated into broader demands for Rama’s resignation and systemic change.
Since Tuesday, demonstrators have repeatedly clashed with police, who have responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Protesters have hurled stones, petrol bombs, and fireworks at officers, while authorities report around 300 injuries—more than half of them among police. The violence has targeted government buildings, including the education ministry, which remains a focal point of the unrest.
Rama’s claims of foreign interference come after months of protests driven by demands for better university conditions, anger over corruption, and rising living costs. In a live statement while visiting the education ministry, he accused Russia and Iran of spreading online misinformation to fuel the unrest. ‘This has now been recognised and is becoming a major issue across Europe,’ he said, adding that the protests were rooted in genuine grievances rather than fabricated grievances.
The prime minister also hinted at potential policy changes, including a possible ban on social media for children under 16 and adjustments to the age of criminal responsibility. Meanwhile, high school and university students have joined the demonstrations, with police condemning the involvement of minors in the violence. On Tuesday, hundreds of university professors marched in solidarity with protesters, carrying banners demanding an end to police violence against students and Rama’s resignation.
The protests, which began over the Trump-linked resort development, have since expanded into a broader movement against corruption and government mismanagement. The damage to government buildings and the escalating clashes highlight the deepening political crisis in Albania.