Albania anti-govt protests: Students clash with cops, blaze erupts in education min

Anti-government protests erupt in Albania

Albania’s capital, Tirana, witnessed a fresh outbreak of violence on Wednesday as student protesters clashed with police, vehicles burned and the Education Ministry caught fire during demonstrations over education costs, university conditions and alleged government corruption. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, as the student-led protests fed into a broader anti-government movement demanding the resignation of prime minister Edi Rama. Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Education Ministry, with some throwing bricks at the building, breaking metal sidewalk barriers and overturning bins, according to Reuters footage. A nearby Raiffeisen Bank branch also caught fire, a Reuters witness said. Videos circulating from the protests showed burning vehicles and demonstrators dressed in black taking to the streets. The unrest entered its second day on Wednesday after a student rally turned violent late Tuesday. Protesters smashed shop windows and erected street barricades using burning rubbish bins, while riot police moved to disperse the crowds. Police said 23 people were detained overnight, with six officers and one journalist injured.

Students cite education costs, inequality

Student organisers said the demonstrations were driven by concerns over university conditions, the rising cost of higher education, financial support and employment prospects after graduation. Some protesters also voiced anger over inequality and the widening gap between rich and poor. Although the demonstrations began with grievances over public education, students later joined the so-called Flamingo anti-government movement, which has called for Rama’s resignation over allegations of widespread corruption. Deputy prime minister Albana Koçiu criticised the destruction of public property while acknowledging the right to protest. "Violence has not been, is not, and will never be a solution. Throwing stones, attacking institutions and the state police, as well as the senseless destruction of public property, are not how youth should express themselves," Koçiu wrote on Facebook. She added: "Protesting is a legitimate right, but it cannot be used as an excuse for violence, city destruction or ugly fighting in the middle of the road." She also urged students and citizens to "Distance yourself from violence and vandalism!" The latest clashes mark the most violent escalation of anti-corruption protests that began in May, increasing pressure on Rama’s government. The demonstrations also come amid student activism elsewhere in Europe, including weeks of school blockades in France over staffing shortages and deteriorating facilities.