Prime Minister Edi Rama has condemned violent incidents at recent protests, saying the state must not negotiate with those who use violence. He made the remarks during a meeting with senior State Police officials, holding up a stone to illustrate what he described as violence against police officers. Rama stressed that violence had nothing to do with citizens’ legitimate grievances in a free and democratic country.

“Waves of violence have nothing to do with citizens’ legitimate reasons for dissatisfaction in a free and democratic country. You cannot negotiate with this,” Rama said, referring to the stone. He warned that any state that negotiates with violence has already fallen. “The moment this wins, its logic becomes the logic of the state itself,” he added.

Rama also recalled previous episodes of violence in Albania, arguing that their consequences can take years to overcome. He said the country had witnessed similar events more than once. Their aftermath, he warned, left wounds that required years to heal.

The prime minister also addressed young people participating in protests, distinguishing peaceful demonstrations from violent acts. However, he claimed that some young protesters had become radicalized under the influence of a new movement that had emerged in Europe and the United States. He described this movement as a “dark and new force” and linked it to ANTIFA. Rama also claimed that the US president had designated ANTIFA a terrorist organization. His remarks did not distinguish between specific groups or individuals involved in the recent incidents.