Total chaos in Albania following student riots
Published at 22:33
Student unrest is spreading from France.
Students took to the streets in the Albanian capital, Tirana, this evening.
They set fire to several buildings, and police responded with tear gas.
Tens of thousands of students are demonstrating in Tirana. They reportedly set fire to the Ministry of Education and two banks, and threw stones at the police.
The students are protesting against rising education costs and corruption.
Police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
A Raiffeisen Bank office near the Ministry of Education was also set ablaze. Trash cans were reportedly overturned and shop windows smashed.
"A revolution"
The protests mark the most violent outbreak of discontent against Prime Minister Edi Rama to date. He won a fourth term in office last May. Since then, Rama has faced growing dissatisfaction over suspected corruption involving high-ranking officials.
At the same time, the demonstrators dismiss the opposition as an unacceptable alternative.
The protests were initially triggered by plans to build a luxury resort along Albania's pristine southern coast. Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, reportedly backed the plans.
The project has now become the subject of legal disputes.
"This is a revolution. We are tired of peaceful protests. We won't stop until Rama resigns," student Lora told *The Guardian*.
Protest against education costs
However, there are multiple reasons behind the riots. Student organizers in Tirana state that the protest concerns conditions at universities, the high cost of higher education, a lack of financial support, and poor job prospects after graduation.
The unrest is also part of a broader wave of student activism sweeping across Europe regarding education and living conditions.
In France, high school students have staged protests and school blockades for several weeks, demanding more teachers and better facilities. They argue that dilapidated school buildings and overcrowded classrooms are undermining the quality of education.
Albanian media reported that Wednesday’s protests had spread to universities in Elbasan and Shkodër.
Facts
Student protests in Europe
France: The protests began on September 17 in the Paris suburb of Créteil and spread rapidly across the country. Students are demanding more teachers, smaller classes, better school facilities, and changes to the university admissions system. The demonstrations have led to violent clashes with police and thousands of arrests.
Albania: Tens of thousands of students have demonstrated in the capital, Tirana, against rising education costs, a lack of financial support, and corruption. The protests have evolved into a broader movement against Prime Minister Edi Rama. Buildings have been set on fire, and demonstrators have clashed with police.
Belgium: Students have protested against higher education budget cuts, tuition fee hikes, and reforms they believe will hinder access to education.
Italy: Student organizations have mobilized against government policies and shortcomings in the education system. Demonstrations have also focused on democracy and international conflicts. Serbia: Since November 2024, students have organized large-scale protests demanding transparency, political accountability, and action.
