Albanian Police Use Tear Gas on Student Protesters in Tirana

Albanian riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons against hundreds of student demonstrators in Tirana on Tuesday, resulting in at least 23 arrests. The protests were aimed at addressing issues related to education and social conditions, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Protesters reportedly threw bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry, expressing dissatisfaction with university conditions, high education costs, and limited employment opportunities after graduation. Police reported injuries to at least six officers and one female journalist during the clashes. In a statement, police urged protesters to cease their attacks on the ministry, but some continued to confront officers with Molotov cocktails and other projectiles. Protesters voiced their frustration over perceived economic inequality and government policies. One protester, Luljeta Kola, stated, "What Albania needs is a revolution, a change, a complete overthrow of the system because it can’t go on like this." Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu responded on Facebook, condemning the violence and stating that such actions are not an appropriate form of expression for youth. The protests in Tirana are part of a broader wave of anti-government demonstrations that have occurred since May, largely in response to a luxury tourism project associated with US President Donald Trump's family, which has raised concerns about corruption and transparency. Students have joined the protests, calling attention to university conditions and the financial burdens placed on them. An organizer emphasized the need for students' voices to be heard, stating, "Problems are not solved by pretending they do not exist. Students have questions, demands and plenty of reasons to be heard."