Albania Student Protest Live Updates: Anger over university costs, limited job opportunities and allegations of corruption has spilled into violent street protests in Albania, where students have clashed with riot police and set fire to government property in the capital, Tirana. The demonstrations escalated on October 13 and 14, with fires reported at the Education Ministry and banks, businesses damaged, and police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
Authorities reported 23 police officers and six other people receiving medical treatment, while 35 people were detained.
The student movement has also joined a wider campaign demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, whose government faces criticism over corruption allegations and a controversial luxury resort project linked to US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
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Albania Student Protests: Government Buildings and Banks Attacked
The protests began outside Albania’s Education Ministry on Tuesday, October 13, when students demanded better university conditions, lower financial barriers to higher education, more support for students and improved employment prospects after graduation.
The demonstrations intensified the following day. Protesters threw stones and other objects at buildings, damaged businesses and set fires during clashes with riot police. A fire broke out at the Education Ministry, while a branch of Raiffeisen Bank also caught fire. Demonstrators also targeted other government buildings, including offices linked to the prime minister, finance and interior ministries.
Some protesters overturned rubbish bins and used burning debris to create street barricades after breaking through police cordons. Officers responded with tear gas and water cannons as they tried to disperse the crowds and regain control of central Tirana. Reports also described damage to at least four ministry buildings.
Albania Student Protest Live Updates: Albania Protest Deaths and Injuries: Police Detain 35 People
The violence left police officers and other people injured. Authorities said 23 police officers and six other people were receiving medical treatment after the clashes. Police also detained 35 people in connection with the unrest.
Albanian officials condemned the attacks on public buildings and businesses while acknowledging the right of citizens to demonstrate peacefully.
President Bajram Begaj appealed for calm and said: “The constitution and the law must remain the boundaries for everyone, without exception.”
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu also urged protesters to avoid violence. She said: “Albania does not need to burn to change”.
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said she respected the right to protest but drew a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and attacks on public property.
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