Rama refuses to resign as student protests spread to secondary schools
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Student protests against the government have intensified and spread across Albania, with new demonstrations reported in cities such as Burrel, Korçë, Elbasan, Gramsh, and Lezhë. In Korçë, two individuals were arrested and 23 others are being prosecuted for damaging institutional buildings during yesterday's protest. Meanwhile, reports indicate that individuals injured during the Tirana protests are receiving intensive surgical care, including a police officer and four protesters.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, leader of the ruling Socialist Party, addressed the escalating violence, visiting fire-damaged businesses in Tirana. He stated that the blazes were not caused by students but were orchestrated by "foreign elements" aiming to hinder Albania's European Union integration. Rama reiterated his firm stance against resignation, asserting that governments change through elections.
Adding to the political tensions, the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has officially launched an investigation into Olta Xhaçka, a Socialist Party Member of Parliament and former Minister of Defense, for alleged corruption and money laundering. Separately, Viola Haxhiademi, the current CEO of the Albanian Power Corporation (KESH) and former Secretary General at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, has returned to SPAK for further questioning as part of the ongoing "Balluku file" investigations.