Zakharova responds to Rama's claim of foreign interference in protests

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama not to shift responsibility for protests onto foreign actors.

Writing on Telegram on October 18, Zakharova said Albanian citizens had taken to the streets and urged the country's leadership to address its domestic problems itself.

Rama had alleged foreign interference aimed at slowing Albania's accession to the European Union. Le Monde reported that the prime minister did not specify whom he meant.

Student protesters oppose high tuition costs, poor study conditions and a lack of jobs in their fields. They are also demanding Rama's resignation. The prime minister condemned street violence and refused to step down.