TIRANA — Protesters poured onto the streets of Tirana on Sunday (October 25) hours after Prime Minister Edi Rama announced new measures to stem a wave of anti-government demonstrations, Reuters reported. On a rainy afternoon, protesters gathered in front of the Education Ministry and then walked to Rama's office, setting on fire chairs he had placed in front of it as an invitation to a dialogue with the government.

Source: Reuters, Oct 25

Earlier on Sunday, Rama introduced new measures to curb violence including fines of 500,000 lek ($6,188) for everyone who participates in a protest that turns violent even if he or she does not commit acts of violence, Reuters said. The exchange rate cited in the report was $1 = 80.79 lek. In a video address, Rama said: "I believe that those who demand my resignation are mistaken if they think they can impose it through violence or any other means, but I do not believe that everything they say or demand is wrong."

Source: Reuters, Oct 25

500,000 lekNew fine — yaani 5 lakh lek, about $6,188 — for anyone in a protest that turns violent, even without personally committing violence, Reuters said
2013Year Rama first took office; he won a fourth term last year
$1 = 80.79 lekExchange rate cited by Reuters in its report

Student-led wave, spread beyond the capital

The student-led demonstrations, fuelled by anger over perceived government corruption, a lack of jobs and poor education standards, have engulfed central Tirana and spread to other cities this month, Reuters reported. Demonstrators demanding Rama's resignation have set fire to government buildings and banks, smashed shop windows and pulled up paving stones to throw at police during the wave of unrest.

Source: Reuters, Oct 25

Biggest challenge yet to Rama

The unrest, which followed months of largely peaceful summer protests against a luxury coastal development backed by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, poses the biggest challenge yet to Rama, who has governed since 2013 and won a fourth term in office last year, Reuters said. Sunday's march came a day after Saturday's clashes in the capital, and the burning of the dialogue chairs signalled that the government's invitation to talks was being rejected on the street even as the new fines were announced.

Source: Reuters, Oct 25