DOMINANT ANGLE
Paris is watching an Albanian power being called into question in the streets: the French press is following the escalation in Tirana and the ultimatum demanding Edi Rama's resignation, as it retains its response which blames the violence on the opposition.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
According to the police, 65 people were arrested on Wednesday; according to the Ministry of Health, 89 people, including 61 police officers, received treatment in Tirana.
- 02
Groups of protesters issued an "ultimatum" demanding Edi Rama's resignation by 1 pm (11 am GMT) on Thursday.
- 03
Edi Rama stated that the destruction was not the work of "student hands" and attributed the violence to opposition officials.
ANALYSIS
Paris, October 15, 2026. For the third consecutive day, clashes have opposed protesters and police on Thursday, October 15, in Tirana, reports Le Monde, which notes that the protests are spreading to other cities. The police used tear gas and water cannons to push back the crowds trying to approach the Ministry of Education, while protesters threw stones at the police, observed an AFP journalist.
French reports look back on the previous two days. On Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Le Monde and Sud Ouest, protesters forced their way into several official buildings and set at least one on fire. France 24 and Le Monde, citing AFP, describe Wednesday's events as including paving stones, Molotov cocktails, burning trash cans, and barricades along a central artery near the Ministry of Education, as well as the offices of the head of government and two ministries being targeted. Firefighters intervened after a smoke outbreak at the ministry.
The official toll is given. According to the police, 65 people were arrested on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health, 89 people, including 61 police officers, received treatment at two hospitals in Tirana; four police officers and two protesters were still hospitalized on Thursday, and three people were to undergo surgery. Le Monde adds a subheading about accusations of excessive use of force by the police.
The demands are presented as social as well as political: the protesters, thousands according to Le Monde, denounce poor university conditions and high tuition fees, and demand more support for students. Collectives have issued an "ultimatum" demanding Edi Rama's resignation by 1 pm (11 am GMT), while the Prime Minister was to meet with the parliamentary group of his party.
The government's statement is reported in detail. Edi Rama condemned the "chaos" and posted a video on Facebook where he visits the charred remains of an office on a Tirana campus: "Today, these are the ruins left by hands that are not, and will never be, the hands of students." He attributes the violence to opposition leaders. Sud Ouest headlines a Prime Minister "on the hot seat" and recalls that the anti-government protests have been going on for more than four months.
SOURCES (3)
- Sud OuestMEDIUM
