Budapest, Oct 25. (dpa/GNA) – Protests over university conditions and against Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government, turned violent again on Saturday in the capital Tirana.
Demonstrators threw stones at government buildings and police, and set fire to the Environment Ministry, state news agency ATA reported.
The protest, organized partly by students, began outside the Education Ministry, before spreading to other parts of the city.
Demonstrators also marched to Rama’s office. Some protesters smashed up an art installation in a central square and threw stones and other objects at police, ATA reported.
Rubbish bins were also set on fire. Demonstrators also threw fireworks and Molotov cocktails, private broadcaster Klan reported.
Police used water cannon, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Injuries were reported on both sides, while Klan accused officers of attacking its camera crew.
Rama, in power since 2013, said the government would respond to citizens’ concerns within hours or days, but warned that those responsible for violence would face criminal and financial consequences.
Public anger has grown amid government support for a property development in a protected area on the Adriatic coast, linked to Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The daily protests have become known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” a reference to the flamingos that live in the area.
Albania is in advanced talks to join the European Union, but many citizens remain frustrated by what they see as corruption and incompetence among the country’s political elite.
GNA