Government
Rama renews dialogue offer to students, says 2027 budget has extra measures for families and young people
On the 14th day of protests, the prime minister posted images of a stone table inscribed “Dialogue” and said he is ready to consider any proposal, while protesters keep demanding his resignation.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 27, 2026, 09:36 · Updated 18:42 · 2 min read
In brief
- Rama again calls on protesting students and lecturers to sit down at the dialogue table.
- The prime minister says the 2027 budget, to be presented soon, contains extra measures for families, public services and students.
- Protesters have so far rejected the invitation and warn that the protest will go on.
Prime Minister Edi Rama on Tuesday renewed his offer of dialogue to the students and lecturers who have been protesting in Tirana for two weeks. He shared images on social media of a stone table inscribed “Dialogue,” placed in front of the Prime Minister's Office, where the chairs of his earlier invitation used to stand.
According to ATSH (the Albanian Telegraphic Agency), Rama said he is ready to consider any proposal from the protesters to address their concerns. He said the government is preparing a package of measures for these needs and wants citizens' voices to shape decisions and policy.
The budget as a response
The prime minister noted that the draft 2027 budget, which will be presented soon, includes additional measures for families, public services and students. He framed this as part of the response to the demands raised in the streets.
At the same time, Rama took a hard line on violence. He said no one can bring the state to its knees through violence or by hiding behind the figure of the student, and warned that anyone who tries to incite urban terror, stir religious division or undermine Albania's tradition of tolerance and harmony will be held accountable.
Protesters: no dialogue without resignation
The offer comes as the protests, which began on Oct. 12 over higher education demands, entered their 14th day. Students and lecturers have so far rejected the dialogue format proposed by the government and are demanding the prime minister's departure; he rules out resigning, citing the mandate he won in elections. The young protesters have said the protest will continue in the coming days.
