Student protesters attack government buildings in Tirana

Thousands of students took to the streets of Tirana, the capital of Albania, on Wednesday and attacked several government buildings. It was the second day of violent protests against the government. The events matter because the student action adds to months of demonstrations against the government led by Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The demonstration began on Tuesday outside the education ministry, where students called for better conditions at universities and improved job prospects. On Wednesday, part of the ministry's building was set on fire. The prime minister's office, the finance ministry, the interior ministry and several nearby businesses were also attacked. Dozens of protesters wearing gas masks and balaclavas were seen throwing rocks and firecrackers through the education ministry's gates.

Riot police clashed with the demonstrators, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.

Response from officials

Albania's Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu urged calm, self-restraint and maturity, saying Albania does not need to burn in order to change. Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj, responding to a video that appeared to show protesters throwing rocks at the finance ministry, said setting fire to an institution is not peaceful protest and endangers lives.

Albania's state-run news agency reported that 16 people were arrested in connection with violent acts during Tuesday's protest.

Wider background

Protester Enida Bimi told the Reuters news agency that the protest is not only for students but for all Albanians, saying people are angry at the system and at corruption. Another protester, Arber Leshi, described the government as the most corrupt the country has ever seen.

The student-led action follows months of anti-government protests known as the Flamingo Revolution, which are calling for Rama to resign. They were sparked in May by a luxury tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, which fuelled anger over alleged corruption and a lack of transparency in the government.