Thousands of students have taken to the streets in Tirana, Albania's capital, on Wednesday, 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.
Protests Escalate
On Wednesday, part of the education ministry's building was set on fire, while the Prime Minister's Office, Finance Ministry, and Interior Ministry, along with several surrounding businesses, were also attacked. Albania's Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has called for "calmness, self-restraint and maturity," stating that "Albania does not need to burn to change."
Dozens of protesters wearing gas masks and balaclavas were seen throwing rocks and firecrackers through the education ministry's gates. Riot police clashed with the protesters, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.
