Hundreds of students clashed with riot police outside the Education Ministry on Tuesday, with 23 people detained and six officers injured, as student activism grows across Europe.
Albania student protests turned violent in Tirana on Tuesday, October 13, when demonstrators hurled bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry and police responded with tear gas and water cannon, according to Reuters. The nationwide demonstration focused on education costs, jobs and social inequality.
Tirana Clashes Outside the Education Ministry
Al Jazeera reported that hundreds of students rallied in the capital and that some demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Balkan Insight reported that police detained 23 protesters and that six officers were injured. A police statement cited by Balkan Insight said demonstrators damaged the outer fence, gates, windows and facade of the Education Ministry while trying to enter its grounds. Police also said protesters used Molotov cocktails, stones and other hard objects.
Albanian Daily News published footage showing metal railings torn from the pavement outside the ministry and broken windows. The outlet also reported that 13 people received medical treatment after the tear gas and clashes. It said authorities had not yet released a full damage assessment.
Why Students Are Protesting
Student organisers told Reuters the protest was about conditions at universities, the cost of higher education, financial support and job prospects after graduation. One student told Balkan Insight that young people in Tirana are “forced not to study but to work”. Reuters also reported that some protesters wanted to express frustration with inequality and the government.
For background on earlier unrest, see Tamrah News coverage of Albania.
The Flamingo Revolution and Calls for Edi Rama to Resign
Associated Press photo captions carried by Al Jazeera said the Tirana protest was part of a demonstration organised by the Flamingo protest movement, which wants Edi Rama to step down. OCCRP reported that the Flamingo Revolution began as a campaign against a luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner near the protected Vjosa Narta wetland. It then grew into a months long challenge to the government. OCCRP also reported that Edi Rama has said his government will not be pressured into resigning.
Government and Journalists React to the Tirana Clashes
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu posted a Facebook video of a protester clashing with officers. Reuters reported her message said, “Violence has not been, is not, and will never be a solution.” Balkan Insight reported that the Albanian Association of Journalists said police physically injured a journalist and obstructed a film crew. The association asked the Police Oversight Agency and prosecutors to act.
Student Protests Across Europe
The Albania student protests and the Tirana clashes come as young people demonstrate elsewhere in Europe. France 24 reported that hundreds of thousands joined nationwide protests in France on October 6 over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and dilapidated school buildings. The French interior ministry estimated 250,000 participants, while organisers claimed 450,000.
Euronews reported that students in Belgium and Italy have also protested. It separately reported that French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised a government plan by the end of October. Read more in Tamrah News Europe coverage.
Will the Albania Student Protests Continue?
None of the reports reviewed by Tamrah News confirmed a date for the next student demonstration in Tirana. OCCRP described a 100 day standoff between Flamingo Revolution protesters and the government in its September coverage. No official assessment of the Tirana clashes has been published yet. See also Tamrah News world news.
FAQs
What happened in the Albania student protests in Tirana?
On October 13, students threw bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry, and police fired tear gas and water cannon, according to Reuters.
Why did the Albania student protests turn violent?
Reuters reported that anger over education costs, jobs and inequality fuelled the protest, and police said some demonstrators attacked the Education Ministry and officers.
How many people were detained in the Tirana clashes?
Balkan Insight reported that police detained 23 protesters, and six officers were injured.
What is the Flamingo Revolution in Albania?
OCCRP describes it as a protest movement that began against a luxury resort project and grew into demands for Edi Rama to resign.
Who is calling for Edi Rama to resign?
Al Jazeera reported that students and the Flamingo movement demanded Edi Rama’s resignation at the Tirana protest.
Are student protests happening in other European countries?
Yes. France 24 and Euronews reported large student protests in France, with demonstrations also in Belgium and Italy.