In Albania, student protests continue despite the tightening of repression

Protests against the Albanian government continue despite increasing police repression. On November 2, students in Tirana demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation, better living conditions, and an end to corruption. The protests, ongoing since May, escalated in violence after students joined on October 13. Demonstrators criticize the police's disproportionate response, which includes water cannons and tear gas, creating a climate of fear. In response to rising violence and property damage, the government announced new legislation imposing heavy fines for violent acts and for those who conceal their identity during protests. Prime Minister Rama cited the French model of accountability for rioters as inspiration for these measures.