Student protests in Tirana turn violent as police use tear gas and water cannon
Hundreds of Albanian students clashed with police in Tirana after throwing bricks at the Education Ministry, prompting arrests and the use of tear gas and water cannons.
Police in Albania's capital, Tirana, confronted a large student demonstration on Tuesday after protesters hurled bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry building. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons, and several demonstrators were detained as the clash spread to nearby streets.
Student organizers said the protest, which they described as nationwide, was motivated by deteriorating university conditions, rising tuition fees, limited financial aid and poor job prospects for graduates. Participants also expressed frustration with growing economic inequality and a political system they view as neglectful of young people.
"What Albania needs is a revolution, a change, a complete overthrow of the system because it can’t go on like this," said protester Luljeta Kola, citing what she called deep social injustice.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu condemned the violence on Facebook, stating that "violence has not been, is not, and will never be a solution." The unrest occurs amid a broader wave of student activism across Europe, including recent high-school protests and blockades in France.