The European College office in Tirana is one of the latest victims of student protests in the Albanian capital. This office, which serves as an educational facility for future European Union employees, was attacked, looted, and set on fire on Wednesday evening.
Statements from the Albanian Prime Minister
Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, said in an Instagram video published from the ruins of the European College office, "Until yesterday, this was the office of the European College." Rama also stated that he does not believe students are connected to this damage and described them as the future of the country. He accused his political opponents of being behind this destruction, claiming their goal is to undermine Albania's progress. Opposition parties rejected these claims.
Developments in Student Protests
Protests in Albania began in late May due to the development of a luxury complex linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the former President of the United States, and allegations of government corruption. However, the situation escalated sharply on Tuesday and Wednesday as students from across the country clashed with police, set fire to government buildings and businesses associated with powerful traders, and damaged public facilities.
During the 14 hours of protests on Wednesday, large areas of the city were damaged, and ministries, banks, and private businesses were attacked. In Skanderbeg Square, protesters set fire to a large construction site.
Numerous reports of police violence and the repression of protesters and journalists have emerged. On Tuesday, a young man required emergency surgery due to clashes with the police.
At least 89 people needed treatment in hospitals, including 51 police officers, and many other protesters reported minor injuries.
Protests on Thursday began at 8 AM, with students in Tirana boycotting classes and marching towards the Ministry of Education. The police quickly dispersed the protesters with tear gas and water cannons, and unrest spread to other parts of the capital.
The protests also spread to other parts of Albania, with masked protesters clashing with police in several cities, resulting in multiple damages and fires reported.
Many businesses in the capital were closed due to these protests, and their owners put up signs declaring their support for the protesters and asking them not to burn their businesses.
Students and protesters of the "Flastin Revolution" are calling for the resignation of Rama and the entire government, as well as a restart of economic, educational, governmental, electoral, and legal reforms in Albania. Rama announced on Thursday that he has no intention of resigning.
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