Tens of thousands of students have taken to the streets of Tirana, the Albanian capital, protesting against rising education costs and corruption. The demonstrations escalated into violence, with protesters setting fire to a government building and two banks, and clashing with police who responded with water cannons and tear gas.
Protest Details
The unrest began as students expressed their frustration over the high costs of education and the lack of financial support and job prospects after graduation. Protesters hurled stones at police, overturned bins, and vandalized local businesses. A branch of Raiffeisen Bank near the Ministry of Education was also set ablaze.
Background of the Protests
These protests represent the most violent backlash against Prime Minister Edi Rama, who won a fourth term in office in May 2022. The discontent has been fueled by allegations of corruption among top officials and a controversial luxury resort development along Albania’s southern coast, backed by Jared Kushner, which has faced legal challenges.
