Popular Protests in Albania Enters 6th Consecutive Night of Clashes with Police
Featured image: Fires raging in the streets of Tirana, Albania during popular protests. Source: Tjen Folket Media
Student protests in Albania demanding affordable education and housing, and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama are now entering their 6th consecutive night. The demonstrations developed from the so-called “Flamingo” movement, which has been ongoing for months against the encroachment of foreign luxury resorts on Albanian land, linked among others to son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, October 13, students took to the streets of Tirana to protest the high cost of living, the horrendous condition of the universities and student habitation, the lack of jobs, and the lack of economic aid. 16 protesters were arrested after demonstrators had gathered outside the Ministry of Education, throwing rocks, bottles and street debris at the building.
On Wednesday, tens of thousands joined the demonstrations. Parts of the Ministry of Education were lit on fire, and the Prime Minister’s office, as well as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Economy were attacked. According to reports, 29 police officers were injured, and 35 people were detained.
On October 15, the protests forced the cancellation of the parliamentary plenary session on the third consecutive day of clashes with the police, A Nova Democracia (AND) reports.
The protests continue, with attacks on government buildings and with clashes with the police. So far, reports are saying that 61 police officers have been injured, and around 180 have been either detained or arrested as part of the protests. As the people continue to voice their just demands, the government and Prime Minister Edi Rama, along with their reactionary apparatus, continue to entrench themselves as enemies of the people.
