A 25-year-old Albanian lawmaker has joined student-led demonstrations calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign, as growing anger over corruption allegations, unemployment and controversial development projects fuels unrest across the country.
Marjana Koceku, who entered parliament as a member of Rama’s governing Socialist Party before becoming an independent lawmaker, has emerged as a prominent voice in the protests. Her participation highlights the growing divisions within Albania’s political establishment as young people demand greater accountability and a different future for their country.
The demonstrations intensified this week in the capital, Tirana, where protesters clashed with police, damaged buildings and attacked banks. Authorities responded with tear gas and water cannon, while the government condemned the violence.
The unrest represents a major challenge for Rama, who has been in power since 2013 and won a fourth consecutive term in last year’s parliamentary elections.
Who Is Marjana Koceku?
Koceku was among the younger politicians brought into the Socialist Party as Rama sought to present a new generation of leaders to Albanian voters.
However, she has since become an independent member of parliament and joined protesters demanding political change.
Speaking during Friday’s demonstrations, Koceku criticised government policies that she believes have failed to reflect the needs of Albanian citizens and communities.
She argued that the country’s future should be shaped by its people rather than controlled by a small group of political leaders.
Her participation is particularly notable because she previously entered parliament through the party now facing calls for the prime minister’s resignation.
Koceku’s stance reflects a wider frustration among some young Albanians who say they see limited opportunities at home and believe political and economic power is concentrated in the hands of influential groups.
Why Are Young Albanians Protesting?
The demonstrations have grown out of several concerns, including alleged corruption, limited employment opportunities, education problems and dissatisfaction with the government’s response to public demands.
Students have also raised concerns about university conditions, education costs and insufficient support for young people entering the workforce.
The immediate trigger for months of largely peaceful demonstrations was opposition to plans for a luxury tourism resort on Albania’s southern coastline.
The development has attracted controversy because of its links to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, whose investment interests are associated with the project.
Some local residents have alleged that land connected to the development was improperly sold. The project has faced legal challenges, while the dispute has become part of a broader debate over land ownership, environmental protection and who benefits from Albania’s tourism industry.
Reuters reported that it found no evidence of wrongdoing by Kushner, who was not directly involved in the specific dispute over the villagers’ land. Allegations surrounding the land transaction should therefore be distinguished from any claim against the investor himself.
Protests Turn Violent in Tirana
Demonstrations that had continued largely peacefully for months escalated during the week, with protesters gathering around government buildings and confronting police.
In Tirana, demonstrators smashed windows, damaged traffic lights, attacked a bank and threw stones at officers. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds.
The protests also spread beyond the capital to other locations, including Lezha, Elbasan, Shkodra and Korça, according to Reuters.
Albanian police figures cited by Reuters indicated that approximately 500 protesters had been detained, with 330 subsequently released. Authorities also reported injuries to around 120 police officers and 45 protesters. The report cautioned that the number of injured demonstrators could be higher because some injuries may not have been recorded.
The government and police have condemned the violence, while some protesters argue that months of demonstrations failed to produce a meaningful response to their concerns.
Rama Rejects Calls to Resign
Rama has rejected demands that he leave office, insisting that governments should be replaced through democratic elections rather than street violence.
The prime minister has denied wrongdoing amid corruption scandals affecting his administration and has maintained his commitment to leading Albania towards European Union membership.
His government has faced scrutiny over allegations involving public contracts and senior officials. Prosecutors previously alleged that the deputy prime minister was involved in awarding construction contracts to favoured companies. Rama and the deputy have denied the allegations.
The controversy has added to public frustration, although the allegations remain distinct from proven findings of guilt.
For Rama, the challenge is to respond to the protesters’ concerns while maintaining public order and defending his government’s electoral mandate.
Albania’s Political Future Faces Growing Uncertainty
The protests have exposed a widening gap between parts of Albania’s younger generation and the political leadership.
For demonstrators, the dispute extends beyond a single tourism development. Their demands include stronger accountability, better educational opportunities, more employment prospects and greater protection for the country’s land and natural environment.
Koceku’s decision to join the protests has also drawn attention to divisions within the governing party’s broader political base.
The government, however, continues to argue that political change must take place through democratic processes, and it has condemned attacks on public buildings and businesses.
Whether the demonstrations lead to policy changes or further political confrontation remains uncertain. For now, protesters are continuing to demand that their concerns be heard as Albania navigates a period of heightened political tension.
At the centre of the dispute is a question that goes beyond one politician or one development project: how can Albania pursue economic growth and European integration while addressing public concerns about accountability, opportunity and control over the country’s natural resources?