Protests in Albania entered a third consecutive day after a fire broke out overnight at the Education Ministry headquarters in the capital, Tirana, police said. According to authorities, at least 16 people were arrested following clashes with riot police.
Protesters broke into the Education Ministry building late on Tuesday and set fires inside, sparking the blaze. By Wednesday, hundreds of students had gathered again in front of the building, throwing stones and demanding better conditions at universities, while also calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
To disperse the crowd, riot police used tear gas and water cannon. Protesters also tore down nearby fencing and used it to block roads.
Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu said on Facebook that protesting is a legitimate right, but it cannot be used as a pretext for violence, vandalizing the city or brawling in the streets. She urged students and citizens to distance themselves from violence and destruction.
The latest unrest follows four months of daily marches on the capital's main streets, known as the "Pink Flamingo Revolution." The movement began as opposition to a resort project in a protected area in southern Albania linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The project has fueled outrage over allegations of corruption and a lack of transparency, with protesters demanding Prime Minister Rama's resignation. The demands later expanded to include better job opportunities, anti-corruption measures and the growing marginalization of young people.
Students told local media they were protesting over study conditions, tuition fees and the lack of support for young people.
