Rama tells Kathimerini he won't resign: Governments change by vote, not by Molotov cocktails

Prime Minister Edi Rama has again ruled out resigning, despite protests that have filled the boulevard outside the Prime Minister’s Office for two weeks. In an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, published on Monday, he said that in a democracy governments are replaced at elections, not through violence.

“No. In a democracy, governments change through elections, not through Molotov cocktails,” Rama replied when asked directly whether he would step down. He recalled that Albanians gave the Socialists “a clear mandate” last year and said he intends to see it through.

Students and “hooded groups”

Rama distinguished between students who, in his words, want a better future and masked groups that throw Molotov cocktails, attack public buildings and damage private property. Some of them, he said, he has linked to the “Antifa” movement. “A minority believes that setting the country on fire is the shortest road to power,” the prime minister said.

He acknowledged that young people’s concerns about education, the cost of living and a lack of opportunities are “valid” and require answers. According to Rama, the 2027 budget, which the government will present soon, includes additional measures for families, public services and students. He said he is ready to consider any serious proposal, even from his harshest critics.

Corruption is a job for the justice system

On the protesters’ demands to fight corruption, Rama said that is the responsibility of the justice institutions, not of those who use violence to claim they speak for an entire generation. “Anyone can demand my resignation; that is part of democratic life. No one has the right to impose it by force,” he said, adding that he will keep working toward Albania’s membership in the EU. The interview came on the 14th day of the rallies, which this time passed without clashes.