Prime Minister Edi Rama said Sunday that the state would not back down in the face of violence during protests, while inviting citizens seeking dialogue to meet with him at the Prime Minister’s Office, at a university faculty, or through another form of communication.

Addressing young people taking part in the demonstrations, Rama said he distinguished between those who wanted to protest peacefully and those who, according to him, used stones, wore masks and confronted police.

“The state does not surrender to stones, and whoever surrenders will not recover for years,” Rama said, stressing that his government remained open to dialogue with anyone willing to discuss how things could be improved.

Rama also addressed young protesters whom he said were not taking part in violence but were finding themselves among individuals wearing masks and carrying objects used in confrontations.

“This is not ballet, nor is it a football match,” he said, arguing that those who confronted the state with stones and masks would face a determined response.

The prime minister maintained that the ongoing situation would ultimately make Albania stronger.

His remarks come amid protests marked by tensions between demonstrators and police. Rama reiterated his willingness to meet with citizens who want to engage in discussions, while making clear that his government would not yield to violence.