Albania student protests turn violent as government buildings burn

· Politics · Albania

Tens of thousands of students took to the streets of Tirana for a second night, setting alight a government building and two banks and clashing with police over rising education costs and corruption. Police fired tear gas and water cannon, and dozens were detained. Protesters demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and better university conditions. The unrest mirrors wider youth-led demonstrations over living costs and governance in other countries, from France to India.

Why it matters:The escalation in Albania adds to a wave of youth protests over costs and corruption that is testing governments in Europe and beyond.

Key points

  • Tens of thousands protested in Tirana for a second night.
  • A government building and two banks were set on fire.
  • Protesters demanded PM Edi Rama's resignation.

Sources (original reporting)

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