Student protests escalate in Tirana, flames near institutions and clashes with police

Protests by students and young people have continued in Tirana, spreading across several of the capital’s main streets and areas. The discontent is linked to the way the country is being governed, difficulties in daily life, rising prices, and the conditions for studying and accommodation in dormitories, which students consider unsuitable and undignified.

Today’s gathering escalated into clashes between protesters and police. Law enforcement forces used tear gas extensively, while demonstrators remained in the streets and refused to withdraw.

Incidents involving arson were also reported during the protest. Several institutions were engulfed in flames, with chairs and tables burned inside them. Fires involving rubbish bins were also reported in various areas of Tirana.

Clashes were also recorded near the Prime Minister’s Office. The protesters then moved toward the “Pyramid” area and the Parliament building, where they forced open the building’s door and started a fire at the entrance.

Flames also engulfed a business near the “Twin Towers” area. Numerous police forces and water cannons were seen on the scene, while the authorities’ intervention failed to stop the protest from continuing.

Calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government accompanied the gathering, which has now taken on a pronounced political character. The demonstrators are demanding the government’s removal.

Public attention is also focused on debates surrounding the AKSHI issue and developments related to the State Intelligence Service (SHISH), increasing interest in the institutions.