Albania protests: Why demonstrators demand Edi Rama's resignation

Albania is experiencing six consecutive days of anti-government protests, with demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation amid corruption allegations, escalating into clashes that have injured hundreds and raised concerns about political stability and EU membership ambitions. The unrest, centered in Tirana, has spread to other cities, with protesters targeting government buildings and banks, prompting police to use tear gas and rubber bullets. The demonstrations began with opposition to a luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner, expanding into broader grievances over education, corruption, and economic pressures. Rama has refused to step down, blaming foreign interests for the violence, while 388 people face criminal charges and 272 have been injured. The opposition Democratic Party demands a caretaker government and early elections, as the unrest threatens Albania's goal of joining the European Union by 2030.