US Lawmakers Warn of Violence Amid Albania Anti-Government Protests

U.S. lawmakers are expressing growing concern over the violence unfolding in Albania, a small NATO member where police have clashed with protesters in the capital, Tirana.

The unrest entered its sixth consecutive day Sunday, prompting members of Congress to issue warnings to Albanian authorities on social media.

“The Albanian people deserve freedom, rule of law, and institutional accountability. The government must refrain from all violence against protestors. Young people deserve a voice in the future of their country,” Republican South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson wrote on X.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., also called for restraint, writing on X: “All parties must reject violence, and the government must respect the rights of peaceful protesters. Albania’s young people deserve a voice in shaping their nation’s future.” Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, joined Wilson and Aderholt in criticizing the unrest, saying: “The protests in Albania are a culmination of the people’s distrust of corrupt politicians and fatigue over the total disregard for the rule of law.”

Police said 388 people had been charged with criminal offenses during the demonstrations. An unspecified number of protesters and police officers were also injured, according to Reuters.

The U.S. Embassy in Albania urged demonstrators to exercise their right to peaceful protest and avoid violent rioting, while calling for restraint and calm from all sides.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets amid accusations of government corruption, poor education, unemployment and limited opportunities. Led by students and joined by citizens nationwide, the movement is demanding accountability, an end to corruption, and what protesters describe as the restoration of democratic institutions and the rule of law.

The student-led protests began in Tirana but quickly spread across Albania as demonstrations turned violent. Protesters have thrown rocks at police, set government buildings on fire, broken shop windows and damaged private property. They are calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation, while police have responded with rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas.

Rama has characterized the demonstrations as a threat to Albania’s European aspirations as the country continues its uncertain pursuit of European Union membership.

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On Monday, Rama blamed outside forces for the violence, according to Reuters. “They are young men and women who have been ideologized and radicalized under the pressure or inspiration of that dark and new force that has emerged in Europe and the United States, which the President of the United States has designated a terrorist organization: ANTIFA.”

In a Facebook post translated by Reuters on Friday, Rama wrote: “These are also foreign hands that do not wish for Albania to be at peace; they do not want Albania to see clearly, to move forward, or to focus daily on addressing its own challenges for the sake of improvement. They do not want Albania to be part of the united European family — a place where it could finally, once and for all, escape these hands and the yoke of a forced choice.”

Agim Nesho, a former Albanian ambassador to the United States and the United Nations, told News Media that Rama’s attempt to link Albania’s unrest to protests in France, Italy and other parts of Europe ignores the specific political grievances driving the demonstrations.

Nesho said Albania’s path toward Europe should not be conflated with the political survival of Rama or any individual government.

“European integration is supposed to reinforce democracy, judicial independence, transparent governance, and fundamental freedoms — not provide political protection from public accountability. Brussels has a responsibility to examine allegations of police abuses independently, uphold the rights of peaceful demonstrators, and take seriously the grievances behind this national movement,” Nesho added.

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood condemned the violence reported in Albania.

“We condemn the use of violence in Tirana and other cities in Albania, including arson, attacks on State institutions and the destruction of public and private property. Violence has no place in a democratic society, and the response to it must remain within the law and proportionate,” the Commission said.

The Commission noted the important gains Albania has made toward EU membership, reminded Albanians that grievances should be handled through constructive dialogue and in a peaceful manner.

The turmoil in Albania comes as the country has long sought European Union membership, which began in 2014 when it became an official candidate for accession. While the 2025 annual European Commission report stated that Albania made significant strides in judicial reforms and combating organized crime, the continued allegations of corruption in the Rama government and the current violence taking place will complicate its path to EU membership.