Dozens of masked protesters threw paving stones and Molotov cocktails at police outside Albania’s Education Ministry in Tirana on Saturday, at the start of another student rally demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation, AFP / Agerpres reported.

At first a few hundred people gathered peacefully outside the ministry — the daily starting point — chanting “Rama, resign!” and “There is no Albania without its youth!” Then a group of masked young people took the lead: they set bins on fire, tore up pavement and hurled projectiles and Molotovs. Police answered with two water cannons; protesters moved toward the government headquarters through heavy rain.

The anti-government mobilisation began in May over opposition to a contested coastal tourism real-estate project linked in public debate to associates of US president Donald Trump. Grievances widened to corruption allegations, health-system failings and a lack of prospects for young people. Students insist the movement stay independent of political parties; on Saturday some rejected Democratic Party MPs joining them.

In mid-October, violent protests damaged or set fire to public buildings — ministries, court offices — and many businesses. Interior minister Ervin Demo said Friday nearly 350 people were injured (about 200 police, 100 protesters, 40 bystanders) and condemned minors being put on the front line. So far 269 people under 18 have been arrested during the demonstrations, he said.

On Wednesday the government introduced fines of up to €5,500 for taking part in violent protests. On Saturday tensions also flared near the prime minister’s office, with Molotovs and a response of tear gas and water cannon, according to Albania’s ATA. Students’ core demand remains Rama’s resignation and better education and living conditions.

Source: Albania: tensions at Tirana student protest (Agerpres)