Albanian PM Rama says violent protesters have crossed the line, promises police bonuses

In a Facebook statement, Prime Minister Edi Rama declared that demonstrators who assaulted police and occupied public institutions have overstepped acceptable limits. While he affirmed readiness to negotiate with any stakeholder, he excluded violent protesters and political parties that fail to repudiate disorder from talks. Rama commended the police, revealing that each officer serving on the front line will receive a 2,500-euro bonus and that overall police wages will be significantly increased starting in January.

He accused foreign intelligence services and the antifa movement of profiting from the situation. The unrest, now in its seventh day, originated with student demonstrations that quickly escalated into clashes, with intrusions into multiple buildings, including the Tirana mayor’s office where a fire was set. Protesters cite university issues, rising education costs, poor job prospects and one outlet system of state subsidies, and some demand Rama’s resignation after 13 years in power.