TIRANA, Nov 3 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama renewed his call for dialogue with students and university lecturers as protests entered their 22nd day on Tuesday, setting up a stone table outside his office and extending fresh invitations for talks.
Invitations bearing the word “Dialogue” were placed alongside the table, in a renewed appeal by the prime minister for protesters to engage with the government.
The protest movement, however, has exposed divisions among students, with some returning to classes and ending a boycott that lasted around two weeks, while others continue efforts to disrupt teaching and rally support for the demonstrations.
Classes were held as normal at several public universities in Tirana, including the University of Medicine, the Polytechnic University, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of History and Philology, and the Faculty of Economics.
The decision to return to lecture halls was taken by students themselves through discussions in their group chats, with some arguing that missing classes was ultimately harming their own academic interests.
Meanwhile, a group of protesters gathered around midday on Monday outside the Polytechnic University before marching to other faculties in the capital, entering lecture halls and disrupting classes.
Demonstrators have so far rejected Rama’s offer of dialogue, insisting on his resignation and vowing to press ahead with their protest.
Rama has said he is willing to consider any proposals put forward by students and lecturers, adding that the government is drawing up a package of measures to address their concerns.
He has argued that listening to citizens’ grievances must be followed by concrete decisions and tangible support, pointing to additional measures for families, public services and students envisaged in the 2027 state budget.
The government head has also warned that attempts to incite urban unrest, foment religious divisions or undermine Albania’s tradition of religious tolerance and social harmony would be met with accountability.
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