Clashes break out for a third day in Albania as anti-government protests swell

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Clashes between police and student demonstrators protesting against Albania’s long-governing Socialist government broke out in the capital Tirana on Thursday in a third consecutive day of violence.

Youths hurled rocks at a police cordon outside the Education Ministry, and riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons. Police detained several demonstrators.

The clashes followed riots on Wednesday when protesters attacked government buildings, banks and businesses, leaving 89 people injured including 61 police officers, according to the Health Ministry.

The protests included student groups seeking education reforms, as well as others staging a broader anti-government movement opposed to a major development project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The so-called flamingo movement is calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over allegations of widespread corruption. The movement earned the name after protesters used signs depicting the pink bird.

A European Union delegation in Albania called late Wednesday for a proportionate response from authorities, expressing concern at “the violent escalation at the protest in Tirana.”