In brief
In Tirana, thousands of students have taken to the streets, demanding better university conditions and job prospects. Their protests have turned violent, with part of the education ministry building set on fire and attacks on the prime minister’s office, finance and interior ministries. Riot police have responded with tear gas and water cannons, and sixteen protesters have been arrested. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu urges calm, warning that “Albania does not need to burn to change.” The demonstrations, part of the ongoing Flamingo Revolution, continue to pressure Prime Minister Edi Rama for reform amid accusations of corruption.
Thousands of students have taken to the streets in the Albanian capital of Tirana, attacking several government buildings on the second day of violent anti‑government protests.
The demonstration began outside the ministry of education on Tuesday, as students called for better university conditions and job prospects.
Wednesday saw part of the education ministry's building set on fire, while the prime minister's office, finance and interior ministries, and several surrounding businesses were also attacked.
Albania's Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has called for calmness, self‑restraint and maturity, saying “Albania does not need to burn to change.”
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators, and sixteen people were arrested in connection with violent acts.
One protester, Enida Bimi, said the revolt is “for all the people of Albania” and that widespread anger stems from corruption and a perceived lack of transparency.
The protests are part of the Flamingo Revolution, a broader anti‑government movement calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and criticizing corruption linked to a luxury tourism project involving Jared Kushner.
