Prime Minister Edi Rama has taken a firm stance against the protests that have swept the country in recent days, declaring that the state must not negotiate with individuals who resort to violence.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Rama expressed concern over attacks against State Police officers, emphasizing that their role is to protect citizens and maintain public order.

“The state does not negotiate with anyone who holds this in their hands. If it negotiates with them, the state has fallen,” Rama said, warning that allowing violence to prevail could undermine the authority of state institutions.

The prime minister also drew comparisons with Albania’s past, arguing that the country had experienced similar periods of unrest and continued to bear the consequences.

Rama questioned the nature of the demonstrations, claiming that only a small number of participants were protesting peacefully. He argued that some young demonstrators had been drawn into a broader movement driven by forces seeking to destabilize institutions.

He also criticized what he described as a climate of hostility toward police officers, saying that uniformed men and women tasked with protecting the public were increasingly coming under attack, including through media coverage.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing protests, which have been accompanied by clashes with police and reports of damage to public institutions.

Rama’s statements signal a hardening government position as the demonstrations continue, with the authorities emphasizing public order while the situation remains tense across the country.