Government
Rama invites students to dialogue again as protesters return to the Education Ministry demanding he quit
The prime minister posted images of a stone table inscribed “Dialogue” and said he is ready to consider any proposal. Students, on the 17th day of protests, are turning down the invitation.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 29, 2026, 12:10 · Updated 18:43 · 2 min read
In brief
- Rama said the government is ready to consider the proposals of students and professors and to address their concerns.
- A day earlier he promised a 15,000 new lek increase in scholarships for students from families facing economic hardship.
- Students gathered again outside the Ministry of Education, while a group of citizens protested in the morning outside Parliament, which was fenced off with barriers.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has again called on the students and professors who are continuing the protest to sit down at the dialogue table. He posted images on social media of a stone table inscribed “Dialogue” and said the government is ready to consider any proposal from them and address the concerns they have raised.
At the same time, Rama stressed that “no one can bring the state to its knees through violence or by hiding behind the figure of the student.”
Scholarships, housing and internships
A day earlier, the prime minister had addressed students with several economic pledges. According to him, scholarships for all students from families facing economic hardship will rise by 15,000 new lek. The new housing law, now before Parliament, provides benefits for students and young couples, ranging from government co-financed rents to loans at zero or 3% interest, according to criteria set in the law. Rama also signaled changes to internships and employment, including for businesses that hire students at half the minimum wage.
The protest goes on
The protesters have so far rejected the invitation and are demanding the prime minister's resignation. On Thursday, students gathered again outside the Ministry of Education, chanting against the government and the police, according to ATSH (the Albanian Telegraphic Agency). In the morning, a group of citizens protested outside Parliament, where police had set up metal barriers; no incidents were reported.
Students and citizens have been protesting for 17 days outside the Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister's Office. Some of the earlier protests saw violent clashes with police and damage to institutions, businesses and road signs.
