The key facts
- Student protests in Tirana have been ongoing since October 13; on October 21 tensions escalated on the ninth day
- Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the prime minister's office building and police officers
- The teachers' union announced a boycott of all universities; Prime Minister Rama called for dialogue
Ninth day of protests in Tirana
Student protests demanding improved learning conditions continued in the Albanian capital Tirana on Wednesday, October 21. The demonstrations began on October 13, and on the ninth day tensions escalated. Schoolchildren, citizens, and teachers from various universities joined the actions in support of the protesters.
From peaceful demonstration to clashes
The demonstration began peacefully in front of the prime minister's office building, after which participants moved to the ministry of education building. Upon returning to the prime minister's office, protesters, according to the Anadolu agency, threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the building and law enforcement officers. Several hundred police officers were deployed during the action.
Reaction of the authorities and teachers
Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama once again called on the students participating in the protests to dialogue. Meanwhile, the Albanian Union of Academic Staff announced a boycott of all universities in the country.
