Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday rejected calls to resign as thousands of student-led protesters smashed windows and fought running battles with riot police firing water cannon and tear gas in the capital.
\n\nProtesters voiced anger about perceived corruption, the cost and quality of education and a deal to sell off parts of its pristine southern coastline to a luxury resort development backed by US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
\n\nThey demanded Rama’s resignation, saying no one had listened to their concerns during a summer of largely peaceful protests over the development.
\n\nIn a written statement to Reuters, Rama rejected calls to quit.
\n\n“My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward. The alternative would be a betrayal of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership,” he said.
\n\nA student who gave her name as Kiara said the cost of living, poor job prospects, and alleged corruption were the main issues.
\n\n“Our prime minister is the meaning of the word corruption. You can only find work in your field if you know a guy who knows a guy,” she said, her face covered by a mask…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health