Politics · Other · 1 hr ago
Student protests turn violent in Albania's capital
Students protesting in Tirana, Albania, clashed with police during demonstrations that turned violent over several days.
They set fire to the Education Ministry and attacked other government buildings, businesses and banks.
Students say they want better university conditions, lower costs, financial support and job prospects after graduation.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, and officials condemned the violence.
The protests add to months of anger at Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, including over alleged corruption and a proposed luxury resort linked to US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The unrest is part of the wider Flamingo Revolution, which has called for Rama to resign.
The EU voiced concern about the violence and allegations of excessive police force, and called for an investigation and for all sides to reduce tensions.
The Education Ministry in Tirana caught fire during violent student protests on Wednesday.
Students were protesting university conditions, education costs, financial support, job prospects and corruption.
Police used tear gas and water cannons as demonstrators clashed with officers and damaged buildings and businesses.
The protests also called for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
The unrest is part of a wider anti-government movement known as the Flamingo Revolution.
- Who
- Students protesting in Tirana, and police responding to them.
- What
- Demonstrators set fire to the Education Ministry and clashed with police. Other buildings and businesses were damaged, and a nearby bank also caught fire.
- When
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during the second day of protests; some reports describe protests entering a third day.
- Where
- Tirana, Albania; reports also said protests spread to universities in Elbasan and Shkodër.
- Why
- Students cited university conditions, higher education costs, lack of financial support and job prospects, as well as corruption. They also demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.
Student protesters
Albanian government
Protest aims
Student protesters
Organisers said they were protesting university conditions, education costs, lack of financial support and employment prospects, and demanding political change.
Albanian government
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said protesting was legitimate but could not justify violence, vandalism or destruction.
Violence and property damage
Student protesters
Some demonstrators threw rocks and set fires during the protests.
Albanian government
Government officials condemned attacks on public buildings and property; Koçiu urged protesters to distance themselves from violence.
Fierce protests broke out in Tirana, according to Al Jazeera.
Several hundred people gathered outside the Education Ministry; the demonstration began peacefully before escalating, according to DW.
Protesters broke into the Education Ministry and started a fire, according to police cited by Al Jazeera.
Protests continued in Tirana as demonstrators clashed with police and fires and damage were reported at government buildings and businesses.
- Location
- Tirana, Albania
- Main building affected
- Albania’s Education Ministry
- Arrests
- 16 people were arrested in connection with violent acts during Tuesday’s protest, according to BBC; Al Jazeera reported at least 16 additional arrests.
- Police response
- Tear gas and water cannons
- Prime minister
- Edi Rama
15 sources
Tear gas, fires and clashes as anti-government unrest escalates in Albania, in photos
Albania protests turn violent as protestors demand PM Rama's resignation
Violent anti-government protests erupt in Albania's capital
Student protesters attack government buildings in Tirana
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IN PHOTOS | Albania's Education Ministry caught fire amid student protests
Albania: Student protests in Tirana turn violent as Flamingo Revolution escalates
Albanian students protest over education, jobs, clash with police
What people are saying
Albania does not need to burn to change
for all the people of Albania
This is a revolution. We are tired of peaceful protests. We will not stop until Rama resigns
this protest came on the back of four months of daily rallies on the main streets of the capital