Prime Minister Edi Rama has ruled out resigning despite weeks of protests in Tirana, telling Greek newspaper Kathimerini that governments change through elections, not violence.

Rama acknowledged young people’s concerns about education, corruption and the cost of living. He said these issues demand concrete solutions and pledged additional measures for families, public services and students in the 2027 budget. He also invited students and professors to engage in open dialogue, saying he would consider serious proposals, including those from his strongest critics.

However, Rama drew a clear distinction between students seeking a better future and protesters who, he alleged, use violence to exert political pressure. He accused a minority of throwing Molotov cocktails, attacking public buildings and damaging private property. He also linked some masked individuals to the Antifa movement.

“Anyone can call for my resignation. That is part of democratic life. No one has the right to impose it through violence,” Rama said.

He insisted that his government would fulfil the mandate it received in last year’s elections and continue working toward Albania’s European Union integration. Rama also stressed that judicial institutions, not violent protesters, must lead the fight against corruption.

“I will not shy away from this duty simply because a minority believes that setting the country on fire is the shortest route to power,” he said.

/a.c/