Albania's Edi Rama refuses to resign amid student protests

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said on October 15 that he would not resign under pressure from student protesters. He invoked last year's election result and promised to address legitimate concerns raised by young people.

Interfax reported that Rama said governments should change through democratic elections. He also linked remaining in office to Albania's pursuit of European Union membership.

Students have been taking part in protests in Tirana for a third day. Their demands concern teaching standards and rising living costs. Demonstrations are also taking place in Durres, Shkoder, Elbasan and Korce.

Albania's health ministry said 89 people, including 61 police officers, were injured in Wednesday's clashes, according to Associated Press. That figure concerns October 14 rather than solely Thursday's demonstration outside the ministry.

The protest movement began in June with opposition to a tourism project in a protected natural area supported by Jared Kushner. It became known as the Flamingo Revolution because of concerns about wildlife. Students later joined the movement with demands for changes in education.