TIRANA, Oct. 14 /ATA/ – A student-led protest joined by other citizens in Tirana escalated into violence on Wednesday, with demonstrators damaging public and private property and attacking government buildings, including the prime minister’s office.
The protest, which began at 11 a.m., initially saw demonstrators attack the Ministry of Education and businesses along Durrës Street before moving to the Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard.
Along the route connecting central Tirana with the prime minister’s office, protesters damaged and smashed security cameras, traffic lights and advertising signs.
They then attacked a series of state institutions, including the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, and the Bank of Albania.
Demonstrators also attempted to target the prime minister’s office with fireworks and Molotov cocktails but were stopped by police officers.
Police moved to disperse the crowd, using tear gas and water cannons as tensions escalated.
The Pyramid, a landmark in the capital, was also targeted, with protesters breaking windows and attacking businesses inside the building.
Protesters are demanding better conditions at universities, lower higher-education costs, greater financial support for students and improved employment prospects after graduation. They have also put forward political demands, including the call for the government to step down.
/e.i/r.e/a.f/u.sh/
