Thousands of students protested in Tirana, Albania, on Wednesday, marking the second day of demonstrations against the government. The protests began outside the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, with students demanding improved university conditions and job opportunities. On Wednesday, part of the education ministry's building was set on fire, and several government buildings, including the Prime Minister's office and the ministries of finance and interior, were attacked.
Albania's Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu urged for calm and stated, "Albania does not need to burn to change." Protesters, some wearing gas masks and balaclavas, were seen throwing rocks and firecrackers at the education ministry. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Demonstrator Enida Bimi told Reuters that the protest is for all Albanians, expressing anger at corruption and the current system. Another protester, Arber Leshi, criticized the government as the most corrupt in the country's history. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro acknowledged the right to protest but distinguished between civic protests and violence against public property.
Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj condemned the actions of some protesters, stating that setting fire to institutions endangers lives. Sixteen individuals were arrested in connection with violent acts during the protests, according to Albania's state-run news agency.
Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania, praised the protesters, stating, "The streets and squares of Tirana have never seen lions like these students." This protest follows months of anti-government demonstrations, referred to as the Flamingo Revolution, which call for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. The protests were initially sparked by a luxury tourism project associated with Jared Kushner, which raised concerns over alleged corruption and lack of transparency from Rama's government.