Student protests in Albania escalated in Tirana, with demonstrators reportedly entering the building housing the Presidency of the Parliament, throwing documents outside and setting fire to parts of the premises.
Police responded by repeatedly deploying tear gas and water to disperse the crowds, as clashes continued outside the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to Albanian media reports, protesters entered the Parliament Presidency building and started a fire on the ground floor. They also threw documents from inside the building onto the street.
The unrest followed earlier incidents in which demonstrators entered the Ministry of Education building and targeted the premises of the Ministries of Finance and Interior, as well as the Pyramid of Tirana.
Clashes between protesters and police continued throughout the demonstrations. Protesters reportedly threw stones, Molotov cocktails and fireworks, while police used tear gas and water to try to disperse the crowds.
There have also been reports of arrests and injuries. The University Trauma Hospital said three protesters and four police officers were receiving medical treatment, adding that their conditions were stable.
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has called on all sides to exercise restraint and act responsibly amid the escalating tensions.
Wednesday’s unrest marked the second day of student protests in Albania. During the first day of demonstrations, 27 people were reportedly injured, including protesters, police officers, journalists and foreign diplomats.
