Tirana, October 13 (Albania Journal) – Student protests in Albania turned violent on Tuesday as demonstrators hurled bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry in the capital, Tirana. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, while several protesters were detained.
The nationwide demonstration was organised over concerns about university conditions, the rising cost of higher education, financial support for students and employment opportunities after graduation.
Some protesters also voiced frustration over social inequality and the government, calling for fundamental changes to the country’s political and social system.
“What Albania needs is a revolution, a change, a complete overthrow of the system because it can’t go on like this,” protester Luljeta Kola said. She added that deep social injustice and the widening gap between the rich and poor were major concerns in the country.
The protests come amid a broader wave of student activism across Europe. In France, high school students have staged weeks of protests and blocked schools, demanding more teachers and better facilities. They argue that deteriorating school buildings and overcrowded classrooms are undermining the quality of education.
Responding to the violence, Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu condemned the actions of the demonstrators in a Facebook post.
“Violence has not been, is not, and will never be a solution. Throwing stones, attacking institutions and the state police, as well as the senseless destruction of public property, are not how youth should express themselves.”
