Student protests turn violent in Tirana over education costs and corruption

Tirana, Albania. Tens of thousands of students took to Tirana’s streets on Wednesday to protest rising education costs and corruption, with demonstrators throwing stones at police and setting fire to a government building and two banks. Officers used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.

Fires and damage in the capital

Reuters footage showed protesters starting a blaze at the education ministry, tipping over rubbish bins and breaking the frontages of nearby businesses. A Reuters witness also reported a fire at a Raiffeisen Bank branch close to the ministry.

Student organisers said their grievances included university conditions, increasing education expenses, insufficient financial assistance and poor job prospects following graduation.

Albanian media said Wednesday’s demonstrations had also reached universities in Elbasan and Shkodra.

Pressure on Rama

The unrest marked the most violent protests directed at Prime Minister Edi Rama. He secured a fourth term in elections held in May last year, but dissatisfaction has since grown over perceived corruption involving senior officials. Demonstrators also regard opposition politicians as unacceptable alternatives.

Lora, a student who withheld her surname, demanded Rama’s departure while throwing rocks at police.

“This is a revolution. We are tired of peaceful protests. We will not stop until Rama resigns,” she said.

Other demonstrators called for resignation and accused police of criminality.

The violence followed peaceful demonstrations against Rama throughout the summer. Those protests began over plans for a luxury resort on Albania’s unspoilt southern coastline, backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The proposed development has become embroiled in legal disputes.

Student activism across Europe

The Albanian unrest forms part of wider student mobilisation across Europe concerning education and living conditions.

In France, high school students have held demonstrations and blockaded schools for weeks, seeking additional teachers and improved facilities. They say overcrowding in classrooms and the deterioration of school buildings are damaging education.