Protesters set fire to Albania's Education Ministry in Tirana as student demonstrations entered their third day. Police arrested 16 people and used tear gas to disperse crowds demanding better university conditions and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Protesters set a fire inside Albania’s Education Ministry in Tirana overnight, as student-led demonstrations entered their third day. According to police, demonstrators broke into the building on Tuesday and lit a fire, resulting in the arrest of at least 16 additional protesters after clashes with riot police.
On Wednesday, hundreds of students gathered in central Tirana, throwing rocks at the ministry while demanding better university conditions and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons to break up the crowds. Demonstrators also ripped out nearby fencing to block streets, set fire to garbage bins, and threw stones at officers.
According to Albanian news outlet Shekulli, protesters gathered outside the ministry at approximately 11 a.m. local time on Wednesday, with turnout reportedly exceeding that of Tuesday's demonstrations. Flames were spotted in a second-floor window of the building, and black smoke rose from the ministry as firefighters arrived to extinguish the blaze.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu addressed the unrest on Facebook, stating, "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 added, "I call on students and every honest citizen who believes in the right to protest: Distance yourself from violence and vandalism!"
The European Union Delegation to Albania expressed concern over the escalation of violence. "We take note of the allegations of excessive violence by the police against protestors and journalists," the delegation said. It urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and emphasized that police actions must remain proportionate and respect fundamental rights.
Besar Likmeta, editor at the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network in Albania, told Al Jazeera that the current unrest is part of a broader movement known as the "Flamingo Revolution." This movement began four months ago with daily rallies in the capital, initially protesting a resort project in a protected area of southern Albania linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
Likmeta noted that the protests have since expanded to include wider demands regarding anti-corruption, lack of opportunities for youth, and growing disenfranchisement among younger Albanians. Students told local media that their specific grievances include university conditions, tuition fees, and a lack of support for young people.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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