Banks, buildings burn as Albania’s capital Tirana erupts into student violence
Tens of thousands of students took to the streets of Albania’s capital, Tirana, on Wednesday, setting fire to a government building and two banks while throwing stones at police during protests against rising education costs and corruption.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who set fire to the Ministry of Education building, overturned rubbish bins and damaged the fronts of local businesses, according to Reuters footage.
A branch of Raiffeisen Bank near the Education Ministry also caught fire, a Reuters witness reported.
The demonstrations mark the most violent outbreak of opposition against Prime Minister Edi Rama, who secured a fourth term in office in elections in May last year. However, his government has faced growing public dissatisfaction over allegations of corruption involving senior officials. Protesters have also expressed dissatisfaction with opposition figures, whom they consider unsuitable alternatives.
The unrest follows a summer of peaceful demonstrations against Rama, sparked by plans to develop a luxury resort along Albania’s unspoilt southern coast. The project, backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, has become embroiled in legal disputes over the land earmarked for development.
“This is a revolution. We are tired of peaceful protests. We will not stop until Rama resigns,” said a student identified only as Lora, who was seen throwing stones at police.
Other demonstrators chanted slogans including “Resignation” and “Police of crime.”
WIDER PROTESTS
Student organisers said Wednesday’s demonstration was driven by concerns over university conditions, rising higher education costs, inadequate financial support and limited employment opportunities for graduates.
The protests form part of a broader wave of student activism across Europe, where young people are demanding improvements in education and living conditions.
In France, secondary school students have staged weeks of demonstrations and blocked schools, calling for more teachers and better facilities. They argue that deteriorating school buildings and overcrowded classrooms are affecting the quality of education.
Albanian media reported that the demonstrations also spread to universities in Elbasan and Shkodra.
The Albanian government condemned the violence.
“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,” Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu wrote on Facebook.
She urged students and citizens who support the right to protest to reject violence and vandalism.
The police also issued a statement appealing for calm, warning that anyone who engages in violence, sets fire to or destroys property, or attacks officers would be held individually accountable under the law.
About The Author
