“This government is corrupt, led and governed by a corrupt prime minister,” said protester Lulzim Tanushi, a lawyer. “Since Rama came to power, he has abused and ruined people’s lives and that is why people are showing their anger, when before they were not listened to.” The protests follow months of mostly peaceful demonstrations sparked by plans to build the complex, which has faced legal challenges. Villagers told Reuters in July that their land was unfairly sold for development. Reuters later reported that the man who sold the land was wanted by prosecutors for drug trafficking, charges his lawyer denied. Reuters found no evidence of wrongdoing by Kushner, who is not directly involved in the villagers’ dispute. Albania’s image has been tarnished over the years by corruption scandals and political analysts say the country is a hub for gangs seeking to launder money from drug and arms trafficking, complicating its efforts to join the EU. Together with Montenegro, Albania is currently leading the accession process between the Balkan countries. and aims to join as early as 2028. “Corruption must be confronted and, as the EU itself has recently reaffirmed, Albania is tackling it like never before,” Rama told Reuters. “Perhaps some forces, inside and outside the country, do not want Albania to succeed as a precursor to EU membership. But I will not allow violence to derail Albania’s European future.” The riots are part of a wave of student activism in Europe. In France, high school students have staged weeks of protests and school blockades demanding more teachers and better facilities, arguing that deteriorating school buildings and overcrowded classrooms are undermining education.
