Albanian Student Protests Turn Violent, Spread Across Cities, Demand PM Resignation

Thousands of young Albanians marched through Tirana on Friday, October 16, marking the fourth day of increasingly violent student-led protests.

The demonstrations have spread beyond the capital to include cities such as Durrës, Shkodër, Lezhë, Vlora, Gjirokastër, Korçë, and Elbasan. Clashes between protesters and anti-riot police have occurred, with police deploying water cannon, tear gas, and batons. Protesters have thrown stones and firecrackers, setting fire to a floor of the Education Ministry and other government institutions.

Private businesses, bins, banks, ATMs, cameras, vehicles, and fencing have also been damaged or set ablaze. Police reported 71 officers injured, and 152 people have been arrested with 324 under investigation over three days of protests. The new demonstrations began on Tuesday as a student movement, initially demanding government action on high education fees, book costs, and the cost of living.

Secondary schools joined the movement, swelling the numbers. These student protests have escalated into violent clashes and joined a broader anti-government "Flamingo" movement. Demonstrators claim the project would endanger flamingos on an island near Vlora. The broader movement challenges Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, with protesters calling for his resignation. Rama, who has been in power since 2013 and won a fourth term last year, aims for Albania's EU membership by 2028. He stated on Facebook, "We will not bow to violence," and condemned the chaos.