(The Turkish Post) – Albania student protests turned into riots in the capital Tirana on Oct. 14 for a second day, as young demonstrators damaged at least four government ministry buildings, including the Justice Ministry, where a fire broke out, and fought police for more than eight hours.
The unrest is the most violent phase so far of an anti-government movement that began in the spring over a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Injuries and arrests in the Albania student protests
Albania’s Health Ministry said 29 people were treated for injuries after the clashes on Oct. 14, including 23 police officers. Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu called the violence “intolerable” after visiting injured officers in hospital.
Figures for arrests varied. Police said in one update that 16 people had been arrested and 49 others faced criminal proceedings, while other official counts put the number of people detained at 35. On the first day of protests, Oct. 13, police said at least six officers and a female journalist were injured.
Hundreds of young people smashed shop windows, set fires and built barricades from burning garbage bins across central Tirana. Police used tear gas and water cannon. Hooded protesters also damaged a bank.
Students demand education reform and Edi Rama’s resignation
The Albania student protests began on Oct. 13, when hundreds of students gathered outside the Education Ministry to demand better university conditions, lower tuition costs, more financial support and better job prospects after graduation. Protesters threw bricks and concrete blocks at the building, tried to break through its gate and set fire to a barricade.
Police said some participants attacked officers with Molotov cocktails, firecrackers and stones. Student organizers had called the rally to press their demands on education, but many protesters also called for Rama to step down.
“Students have questions, demands and plenty of reasons to be heard,” a student organizer wrote on Instagram before the rally. “What Albania needs is a revolution, a change, a complete overthrow of the system because it can’t go on like this,” said Luljeta Kola, one of the protesters.
Albania’s president and EU condemn the violence
President Bajram Begaj condemned the violence. “The constitution and the law must remain the boundaries for everyone, without exception,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu wrote on Facebook: “Violence has not been, is not, and will never be a solution.”
The European Union’s delegation in Albania said it was concerned about the “violent escalation” and called for a proportionate response by police. “Freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights and core European values,” the delegation said. Albania is a candidate for EU membership.
Flamingo movement against the Kushner resort project
The Albania student protests have joined a wider campaign that its supporters call the “Flamingo Revolution,” named after the pink flamingos that live in the coastal wetlands where the resort is planned.
The project includes a luxury development near Zvernec, in Vlore County, beside the Narta Lagoon, which is part of the protected Vjosa-Narta area, and a smaller resort on the uninhabited island of Sazan, a former military base. It is linked to Affinity Partners, the investment firm founded by Kushner.
Environmental groups started the protests at the end of May and in early June. Their demands have since widened to include Rama’s resignation and early elections. Protesters accuse the government of corruption and a lack of transparency over the project, and they want the repeal of a 2024 law that they say weakened protections for wildlife reserves to speed up tourism developments.
Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating land sale contracts linked to the project. Rama, in office since 2013, has said the protests will not stop construction.
Earlier anti-government rallies have also turned violent. In February, police fired tear gas at an opposition protest in Tirana and arrested at least 13 people.
