In brief
In Tirana, thousands of students set the education ministry on fire during Monday's protest, sparking a wave of violence that spread to the Prime Minister’s office, finance and interior ministries and local businesses. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons as demonstrators demanded better university conditions and broader governmental reform. While Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu urged calm, opposition leader Sali Berisha praised the protesters, calling them “lions.” Across the city, arrests were made and officials criticized the violence, yet the movement’s roots lie in the broader Flamingo Revolution sparked by a controversial luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner. The protests represent a pivotal moment in Albania’s fight against corruption and political stagnation.
Thousands of Albanian students took to the streets of Tirana on Tuesday, attacking several government buildings in a flurry of protests that escalated on Wednesday when part of the education ministry was set on fire.
The demonstration began outside the Ministry of Education, with students demanding improved university conditions and better job prospects for graduates.
Wednesday saw the flames climb beyond the ministry, as the Prime Minister’s office, the finance and interior ministries, and surrounding businesses were also attacked by demonstrators.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu urged “calmness, self‑restraint and maturity,” warning that “Albania does not need to burn to change.”
Police clashed with protesters, deploying tear gas and water cannons. One demonstrator, Enida Bimi, told Reuters the protest was “for all the people of Albania,” citing deep anger over corruption, crime and systemic failings.
Another protester, Arber Leshi, slammed the government as “the most corrupt” the country had ever seen.
Economy minister Delina Ibrahimaj condemned the arson, saying “Setting fire to an institution is not a peaceful protest. It endangers people’s lives.” Sixteen people were arrested for violent acts.
Opposition leader Sali Berisha praised the “lions” of Tirana, while the protests stem from the Flamingo Revolution, which has called for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and was sparked by a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner.
