Student protests in Tirana target multiple ministries

Thousands of students marched through Tirana on Tuesday, beginning their protest outside the Ministry of Education to demand improved university conditions and better employment prospects. The demonstrations escalated on Wednesday, with parts of the education ministry building set ablaze and damage reported at the prime minister's office, the finance ministry, the interior ministry and nearby businesses.

Albana Koçiu, Albania's Deputy Prime Minister, urged participants to exercise "calmness, self-restraint and maturity," adding that the country does not need to burn to achieve change.

"Albania does not need to burn to change," Koçiu said.

One demonstrator, Enida Bimi, told Reuters that the protest reflects broader public frustration, stating that people are angry at corruption and crime and seek systemic change.

"The people are very angry at the system. They need to change everything," Bimi said.

Another participant, Arber Leshi, described the government as the most corrupt in the country's history.

"The most corrupt government our country has ever seen," Leshi said.

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro emphasized the distinction between lawful protest and violence against public property.

"Civic student protest and violence against public buildings and property are two different things," Kumbaro said.

Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj condemned the arson, describing it as an act that endangers lives.

"Setting fire to an institution is not a peaceful protest. It is an act that endangers people's lives," Ibrahimaj said.

State-run news agency ATA reported that a government spokesperson said the streets of Tirana have never seen such behavior from students.

"The streets and squares of Tirana have never seen this level of unrest," the spokesperson said.