Student protests in Albania: They set fire to the Ministry of Education building

Protests organized by students in Tirana, the capital of Albania, demanding improvement of educational conditions and reduction of education costs continue for the second day.

During today's protests, the Ministry of Education building was set on fire, while the police used tear gas and pressurized water to disperse the demonstrators.

In the demonstrations attended by thousands of students, it was demanded to improve the conditions at universities, reduce education costs, increase the financial support provided to students and improve employment opportunities after graduation.

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Cociu said in a statement on her social media account that the right to protest is legitimate, but this cannot be a justification for violence and damage to public property. Cociu called on students and protesters to “stand against violence and vandalism.”

The demonstrations are seen as a continuation of broader anti-corruption protests that began in May and are putting pressure on the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The focus of student protests is on education conditions, increasing costs and young people's future concerns.