Albania’s Interreligious Council has called on the government and protesters to engage in dialogue, respect the law and reject violence amid escalating demonstrations in the capital.

In a statement issued on October 16, representatives of the country’s religious communities stressed that the concerns of citizens and students must be heard, while state institutions must provide concrete and transparent responses to public demands.

The council brings together leaders of Albania’s five largest religious communities: Muslim, Orthodox Christian, Catholic, Bektashi and Evangelical. The Orthodox Church of Albania is represented by its head, Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania.

The appeal came as protests that began on October 13 intensified in Tirana. The student-led demonstrations initially focused on dissatisfaction with educational conditions, rising education costs and limited employment prospects. The demands subsequently broadened to include opposition to corruption and calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The council emphasized that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic principle. However, it warned that no demand can justify violence, property destruction or violations of other people’s rights.

The statement also highlighted the broader social consequences of unrest. Damage to family businesses threatens the livelihoods of their owners, while attacks on educational institutions undermine safety and the right to education. Disrespect for diplomatic missions, the council added, damages the principles of international cooperation.

“Peace does not mean silence in the face of injustice, justice cannot be built through violence, and power cannot be exercised without responsibility,” the statement said.

According to Reuters, the protests have escalated into clashes with police. Reports have described fires at a government building and bank branches, as well as damage to shops and other properties.

During the same period, the building of the Apostolic Nunciature in Tirana, the Holy See’s diplomatic mission in Albania, was vandalized, and the Vatican flag was removed. Albania’s Foreign Ministry condemned the incident and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

In their appeal, religious leaders urged all sides to ease tensions, refrain from mutual accusations and pursue peaceful solutions. They said the authorities should respond to public grievances, ensure justice and act within the law, while demonstrators should respect the rights of others.

The council concluded that Albania’s future must be built on mutual trust, human dignity and a willingness to engage in dialogue, rather than fear, destruction and social division.