Prime Minister Edi Rama has ruled out the possibility of resigning as escalating protests entered their third day, with violent clashes reported in the capital, Tirana.

In a written response to international news agency Reuters, Rama said he would not allow violence to jeopardize Albania’s ambition to join the European Union.

The protests have intensified in recent days, drawing thousands of students and citizens onto the streets of Tirana amid growing tensions with the government.

Demonstrations on Wednesday descended into clashes between protesters and police, while fires were reported at government buildings, highlighting the growing unrest in the Albanian capital.

Despite the escalating demonstrations, Rama has maintained that he will not step down, insisting that the violence must not derail the country’s European integration ambitions.