Tirana, October 31 (Albania Journal) – Students, university lecturers and citizens gathered outside Albania’s Ministry of Education at midday on Sunday, continuing weeks of protests demanding political change, the government’s resignation and improved living and educational conditions.
The demonstrators initially assembled peacefully outside the ministry. However, protests held in recent days had escalated into violence against institutions and clashes with police.
Protesters gathered in the middle of Durrës Street, prompting authorities to divert vehicle traffic along the road. Police officers formed a security cordon outside the Ministry of Education to maintain order.
University lecturers also joined the students in solidarity. They have boycotted classes for several days, supporting the young protesters’ demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Meanwhile, the State Police implemented security measures to ensure the protest proceeded safely. A water cannon was positioned near the Parliament building, while security forces monitored the situation and worked to maintain public order.
Opposition Supporters Join Demonstration
Supporters of the Democratic Party (PD), along with opposition lawmakers, marched from the Prime Minister’s Office towards the Ministry of Education to join the students.
However, some students objected to the lawmakers’ participation, criticising their earlier absence from the demonstrations.
“This protest belongs to the people. The person who is not welcome is someone whose very existence symbolises a political party. We do not want people who represent political parties that have ruined us over the years,” one young protester said.
Tensions rose following the exchange.
Demonstrators lit flares at the entrance to the Ministry of Education and set fire to a rubbish bin during the protest.
A water cannon was deployed to extinguish fires in rubbish bins placed in the middle of the road. In response, a group of protesters threw stones and other hard objects at the vehicle. A second water cannon was placed on standby.
Some young demonstrators also threw Molotov cocktails towards the police, further escalating the situation.
Police officers called on the protesters to retreat and stop throwing stones at security personnel.
Following the clashes, students and other demonstrators marched towards the Prime Minister’s Office.
Protests Enter 19th Day
Students, lecturers and citizens have been protesting in Tirana for 19 days against the country’s current political establishment. Their demands include the resignation of the prime minister and improvements to education, housing and living conditions.
The demonstrations have also merged with the “Flamingos” protest, which began on December 31 against a proposed investment in Zvërnec.
That movement subsequently expanded into a broader political campaign, with protesters demanding the departure of the political establishment and the repeal of the Mountain Package law and legislation concerning protected areas, among other measures.
