A new round of clashes has erupted on the streets of Tirana, as anti-government protests by college and high school students continue for a third day, with attacks on government buildings, arson, vandalism of businesses, and clashes between protesters and police, while tensions have also spread to other cities in Albania. For his part, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama made it clear that he has no intention of resigning, despite the pressure he is facing.
The new clashes began early Thursday afternoon (October 15), when groups of protesters marched toward ministries, Parliament, and other government buildings, hurling stones, pieces of wood, and metal objects at police officers, while security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons.
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According to Albanian media, the protesters held a series of marches in downtown Tirana, with the tension centered around the ministries of Education, Finance, and Infrastructure, as well as in the area around Parliament.
Protesters and police clashed in Albania’s capital for a third straight day on Thursday, as the prime minister toured the aftermath of demonstrations that left government buildings badly damaged.
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At the Ministry of Finance, protesters threw stones at police officers, who used tear gas to disperse them. Similarly, near the Ministry of Economy, two hooded individuals reportedly grabbed a metal railing and hurled it at police officers, while other protesters threw stones and pieces of wood.
The most extensive damage was reported over the previous 24 hours at the Ministry of Education, where protesters smashed windows and set the building on fire. Fires also broke out at two bank branches.
Footage broadcast by Albanian media shows damaged facilities, shattered storefronts, and damage to offices, while attacks were reported on commercial businesses and the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party.
According to Reuters, tens of thousands of students took part in Wednesday’s protests, with police attempting to disperse the crowds using water cannons and tear gas.
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Rama: I Will Not Resign – Blames the Opposition for the Violence
Despite the escalation of protests, Prime Minister Edi Rama made it clear on Thursday, in remarks to Reuters, that he has no intention of resigning. The Albanian prime minister argued that the violent clashes must not jeopardize the country’s European path, stating that the government will continue its work.
Earlier, in a video message recorded from a damaged building of the College of Europe in Tirana, he accused the opposition of being behind the destruction. Rama argued that the acts of violence do not represent the students, while also stating that his government remains open to dialogue regarding their demands.
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How the protests began
The protests began with a focus on issues in education, as students protested the rising cost of tuition, conditions at universities, insufficient financial aid, and limited career prospects after graduation.
Over time, the demands took on a broader anti-government character, with protesters denouncing corruption and calling for the prime minister’s resignation.
Groups from the broader protest movement known as the “Flamingo Movement” are also participating in the demonstrations; this movement has held rallies in recent months, including protests against a major tourism investment project in southern Albania linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Source: Protothema.gr
