Since 13 October central Tirana has been the scene of daily clashes. School and university students joined the “Flamingo” movement, which has been protesting since May against corruption and a luxury tourism development in the south of the country linked to Jared Kushner’s investment firm.

What happened

On 14 October demonstrators attacked the Education Ministry building – a fire broke out inside. In the following days stones, flares, fireworks and Molotov cocktails were thrown at police. Police responded with tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Shops in the centre covered their windows with metal shutters, and city services removed paving stones.

Injured

According to the health ministry, 272 people were injured between 13 and 18 October, including 169 police officers. By 20 October the authorities were speaking of about 300 injured, more than half of them officers.

Demands and the government’s response

Young people want lower tuition fees, more investment in education, an end to corruption and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, in power since 2013. Rama rejects resignation and speaks of a hybrid war and a foreign hand, but admits that concerns about the cost of living and housing are real. He also warns that the riots could harm Albania’s path to the EU.