Student protests that began against problems in higher education in Albania continued for the third day. The demonstrations, which were concentrated in the capital Tirana, spread to the cities of Korçë, Durrës, and Lushnjë on Thursday.
In Tirana, police used tear gas as demonstrators again attempted to approach the Ministry of Education. It was reported that a fire broke out in the ministry building the day before, and police teams responded to the demonstrators with water cannons and gas.
Parliament postponed the general assembly session scheduled for Thursday to next week due to the violence on the streets. It was reported that approximately 100 police officers were injured and more than 100 suspects were detained in Tirana over the last two days.
It was stated that protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at schools in Korçë, while a group damaged a bank and parts of a university in the city center of Tirana.
RAMA BLAMED THE OPPOSITION
Prime Minister Edi Rama held the opposition responsible for the protests. Arguing that the opposition is trying to hinder Albania's European Union membership process, Rama claimed that they want to drag the country back into crisis with "fire and iron."
At the root of the students' reaction are poor educational conditions, high education costs, and hopelessness regarding the future after graduation. The demonstrators are also demanding the resignation of Rama, who has been governing the country since 2013.
Albania has held candidate country status for the European Union since 2014. Dissatisfaction with the government in the country has increased in recent months due to a real estate project being carried out in a nature reserve on the Adriatic coast, which is said to be backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Reactions regarding the area where flamingos live continue with protests referred to as the "Flamingo Revolution."
News Source: 12punto
