Albania Protests Enter Second Week as Rama Accuses Demonstrators of Crossing 'Red Line'

Anti-government protests in Albania entered their second week, with Prime Minister Edi Rama accusing demonstrators of crossing a "red line" by using violence. Students demand his resignation over high education costs. The protests began October 14 when students set fire to government buildings and a bank in Tirana, later spreading to other cities. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, leaving hundreds injured. Rama offered dialogue but excluded violent protesters and parties that don't distance themselves from violence. The unrest follows months of demonstrations against corruption, including summer protests over a resort project by Jared Kushner on a protected island. The European Commission condemned the violence but urged peaceful dialogue, warning that ignoring EU environmental rules could threaten Albania's membership path.