In brief
Students across Albania have taken to the streets demanding lower education costs and higher living standards, triggering violent clashes with police. The unrest has spread beyond Tirana to Durrës, Shkodër, Korçë and Vlora, with protesters storming government offices and setting fire to ministry floors. The riots come on the back of a prolonged 'Flamingo' movement that once protested a luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, amplifying anti‑corruption sentiments. Prime Minister Edi Rama has denied calls to resign, blaming opposition figures and foreign interference, while the UK advises tourists to avoid large demonstrations. The violence highlights deep political divisions and poses a risk to Albania’s EU integration ambitions and tourism industry.
Student protests turn violent across Albania
Students and secondary school pupils have taken to the streets in Tirana, demanding lower education costs and a higher standard of living. The protests have flared into violent clashes with anti‑riot police who deployed water cannon, tear gas and batons as students threw stones, setting fire to a floor of the Ministry of Education and damaging other government offices.
Flamingo movement legacy and new wave
The unrest follows a 135‑day campaign by the 'Flamingo' movement that once protested a luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner. While the Flamingos were largely peaceful, the current demonstrations, dubbed a new phase by participants, have taken a far more radical tone.
Political fallout and foreign links
Prime Minister Edi Rama has denied calls to resign, blaming opposition leader Sali Berisha and accusing foreign powers such as Serbia of stirring the trouble. Allegations of corruption among ministers continue to fuel the frustration, with a deputy prime minister already fleeing the country.
Impact on tourism and EU ambitions
The violence threatens Albania’s European Union accession hopes and the tourism sector. The UK government urges visitors to check the latest advice, avoid large demonstrations and follow local authorities.
