Prime Minister Edi Rama has hardened his tone after attacks on bank branches, speaking of identifying perpetrators even when they are hooded, creating a special registry for violent individuals, and restrictions that could also affect their movement. In the same appearance, he broadened the political target of his remarks by also attacking protesting lecturers, whom he portrayed as linked to parties.
The government’s version of the attacks on banks
At a meeting with executives of second-tier banks, Rama said the attacks on branches of the banking system were aimed at creating panic over the functioning of the country’s financial system. According to him, the people who attacked the banks with stones and fire had a “scenario” to spread chaos.
Along the same lines, the prime minister claimed the perpetrators thought they could take money from tellers or ATMs, even though, according to him, at bank counters “there is nothing to take.” He added that ATMs would be restored as quickly as possible.
Warning of tracking, a registry and restrictions
Rama said the government will invest in technology for the “de-anonymization” of people who engage in violence, claiming they will be identified even when wearing hoods. His message was direct: those involved will be pursued “step by step.”
He further announced that other punitive measures are being considered, including a special registry for violent individuals and restrictions on access to means of transport. Also, according to his account, the government aims for the material cost of the damage to fall on the family when the perpetrator is a minor.
References to the EU and the model of other countries
In his statement, Rama mentioned Italy and France as examples for the approach to minors involved in violent acts, implying that the executive wants to import this model into Albania as well.
He also said cooperation has begun with European Union countries to block violent individuals’ access to travel. At this stage, no concrete details were made public about the legal basis, the criteria, or the mechanisms by which these restrictions would be enforced.
From banks to the political attack on lecturers
Although the appearance was focused on the attacks on banks and security, the prime minister also used the occasion to attack protesting lecturers. He drew a distinction between the protest of students and lecturers in 2018 and today’s protesters, whom he labeled “party standard-bearers.”
This broadening of the narrative from public order to the political delegitimization of the protest raises questions about the attempt to mix episodes of violence with civic and academic opposition. Up to this point, the statements made do not show any clear distinction between the perpetrators of the attacks and participants in peaceful protests.
Rama’s statements signal a tougher government line after the incidents against banks, but some of the measures mentioned still remain at the level of public warning.
What stands out is that alongside the rhetoric on security, the prime minister chose also to target his opponents in protest, extending the debate beyond the concrete events to the political clash.