Tirana witnessed a large gathering of students on Wednesday, with tens of thousands taking to the streets, resulting in the setting ablaze of Albania’s Education Ministry building and two banks. The students were protesting against escalating education expenses and corruption for the second consecutive day. In response to the protesters’ actions, the police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, as demonstrators lit fires, vandalized local businesses, and overturned garbage cans.
The images captured during the protests show intense scenes, including a person reacting to being sprayed with water from a water cannon and individuals throwing objects at riot police officers. The unrest in Tirana is part of a broader movement of student activism spreading across Europe, with France also witnessing high school students protesting for better educational facilities and more teachers due to concerns about the deteriorating school infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms.
The violent outburst in Albania marks a significant escalation in the anti-corruption protests that began in May and are increasingly challenging Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu condemned the violence on social media, calling for peaceful protests without resorting to destruction or confrontations. Student organizers highlighted their grievances related to university conditions, high education costs, financial aid, and post-graduation job prospects as the primary reasons for the protests.