Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama today condemned violence during three days of protests in Tirana. Speaking outside a private business gutted by fire, he blamed the opposition and alleged that foreign forces also sought to destabilize Albania. He claimed these actors wanted to obstruct the country’s path towards European Union membership.

Rama described the alleged interference as part of a long-standing effort to hold Albania back. He said foreign actors opposed a peaceful, forward-looking Albania and its ambition to join the European Union. He also argued that the country must remain free to choose its future alongside other EU member states.

“Is it a coincidence that flames break out just as Albania receives another green light and closes another chapter?” Rama asked. He insisted that the timing was no coincidence. He described the current situation as a test of national character and another artificial obstacle to Albania’s European ambitions.

The prime minister acknowledged that students, business owners and ordinary citizens had every right to demand better conditions. He said their concerns required action and pledged continued efforts to address the country’s problems. However, he rejected calls to yield to violence in exchange for temporary calm.

Rama argued that giving in to violence would undermine stability and derail the country’s progress. He recalled Albania’s past struggles and said capitulation had never delivered lasting results. He urged citizens to remain patient and resilient as the country faced the latest challenge.

“Brothers and sisters, be patient. This too shall pass,” Rama said. He added that Albania would emerge stronger and more aware of its shared challenges, as it had after previous ordeals.

Rama’s remarks came amid continuing unrest in the capital. He framed the protests and accompanying violence as a challenge to Albania’s stability and its European integration ambitions.