A fire broke out at Albania’s education ministry in the capital, Tirana, as student-led protests entered a second consecutive day, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators, Albanian news outlet Shekulli reported.
Students gathered outside the ministry on Wednesday at around 11 am local time, in greater numbers than on Tuesday. Some protesters climbed over a wall and entered the ministry grounds as flames appeared in a second-floor window.
Demonstrators erected a barricade using railings, set fire to rubbish bins and street advertisements, and threw stones and other objects at police.
Black smoke later rose from the building as firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze, while clashes continued in nearby streets.
The cause of the fire and the extent of any damage were not immediately clear.
EU urges restraint and investigation
The EU Delegation to Albania expressed concern over the escalating unrest and called for an investigation into allegations of excessive police force against protesters and journalists.
“We take note of the allegations of excessive violence by the police against protesters and journalists,” the delegation said, stressing that police actions must be proportionate and respect fundamental rights.
The delegation urged all sides to reduce tensions and emphasised that constructive dialogue was the way forward.
The latest unrest marks a second day of student-led demonstrations in the Albanian capital, with tensions rising as protesters confronted police outside the government ministry.
