Albania Students Spurn PM's Appeal for 'Dialogue'

Thousands of protesting students flooded Tirana's George Bush Street near parliament on Thursday, in the ninth day of protests in Albania against tuition fee rises, over university autonomy and living conditions in dormitories.

Inside the parliament, Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama repeated his demand for dialogue before considering their demands, as stubborn youngsters refused to elect a leadership and open negotiations.

Aiming to reach protesting students on social media, Rama has turned to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, repeatedly calling for talks.

Photo:  EPA-EFE/MALTON DIBRA

"Ready to fulfil each of the student demands, but we need dialogue," he stated on Facebook early on Thursday.

"The student protest [is] a slap against the government, a fist against the opposition and hope for society," he stated in an earlier Facebook post. "I am with you," he insisted on Twitter.

Photo:  EPA-EFE/MALTON DIBRA

Students appeared unsure where to summon their latest protest, some preferring the central Heroes of the Nation Boulevard, where the Prime Minister's office is situated, while others continued to protest near the Ministry of Education.

Photo:  EPA-EFE/MALTON DIBRA

However, across the country students seem determined to deny Rama the "dialogue" he seeks, and not to elect any leaders.

Some defied the cold December weather by staging a sit-in outside Rama's office.

Photo:  EPA-EFE/MALTON DIBRA

Around midnight, Rama published his own photo on Instagram wearing a pullover, smiling and asking: "When we will speak?"

Rama has become increasingly desperate to open talks with students, trying to extract himself from the situation by appearing a supporter and potential saviour, not as a capitulating politician.