Student Demonstration at Albania's Education Ministry Turns Violent

On Tuesday, a student rally outside the Ministry of Education in Tirana escalated into a violent confrontation with police, marking a flashpoint in the broader Flamingo Revolution protests. Demonstrators threw rocks, eggs, and Molotov cocktails, damaging the ministry's fence, gate and windows, while police answered with tear gas and a water cannon. Authorities said 23 protesters were detained and six officers were wounded during the clash.

The Association of Journalists of Albania reported that a journalist sustained injuries and a media crew was blocked from covering the event, prompting a call for an investigation by the Police Oversight Agency. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu shared a video on social media, stating that violence is never a solution. The protestors also voiced grievances over poor university conditions and insufficient financial support, while chanting against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government.