Violent protests have entered a second day in Albania’s capital, Tirana, with demonstrators clashing with police, throwing petrol bombs and stones, and smashing windows at ministries, public buildings and the Prime Minister’s Office. Police say 14 officers have suffered injuries, with nine receiving hospital treatment.
The demonstrators, mainly university students, are protesting against corruption, demanding university reforms and calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. High school students from central Tirana also joined the protests on Wednesday.
Albanian President Bajram Begaj issued the first official response to the unrest, saying violence was not an acceptable form of protest and stressing that police must also remain within the law. He expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with citizens and listen to their concerns.
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi condemned the attack on the parliament building, describing it as unacceptable. He said violence harmed the public interest and society and urged political parties to distance themselves from the unrest.
“No one’s agenda is more important than Albania,” Peleshi said.
Protests spread from Education Ministry
The demonstrations began on Tuesday afternoon, when students gathered outside the Ministry of Education to protest problems in the education system. Clashes continued until late in the evening, and demonstrators arranged to return on Wednesday at midday.
The situation escalated quickly after high school students joined the protests. Demonstrators smashed windows and threw petrol bombs at the Ministry of Education, causing damage to its first floor.
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said everyone had the right to demand better performance from public institutions but condemned violence against public property and government buildings.
She renewed her invitation for dialogue, saying acts of destruction did not reflect the relationship between the ministry and students.
Kumbaro also confirmed that the attack had destroyed documents. However, she said the ministry would remain open despite the unrest.
Governing party condemns violence
Albania’s governing Socialist Party issued a statement arguing that violence would not resolve the country’s problems and warning that Albania had already paid a heavy price for past political chaos.
“Violence is not a solution! Albania has paid an extremely high price for the chaos of the past, when institutions were attacked and property destroyed in the name of anger and revolt. Anyone who loves their homeland does not destroy Albania,” the party said.
Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, accused the opposition Democratic Party and its leader, Sali Berisha, of being behind the violent incidents.
The unrest continued as demonstrators targeted banks and shopfronts, looting premises and setting fires, according to the report.
Police confirmed that 14 officers had sustained injuries, nine of whom required hospital treatment.
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