Albanian students protest over education, jobs, clash with police

Chaos on the streets of Tirana, Albania's capital, for a second night. Protesters initially began by demanding government action on the cost and conditions of higher education. But their calls have widened. This is for the students, not only for the students. It's all for the people of Albania. They want better conditions for the faculty, no corruption, they need to study. This is the most corrupt government that our country has ever seen and it needs to go as soon as possible. Police deployed water cannons to try and quell the protests, while protesters targeted government buildings including the education, justice and finance ministries. Prime Minister Edi Rama is serving a fourth term and has faced protests throughout the summer, initially sparked by a luxury tourism project in the south linked to US President Donald Trump's family. The Interior Minister, Ervin Dema, said that protests had been stirred up by outsiders. To those currently setting fire to and destroying public and private property, I say pull back before it is too late. While individual accountability before the law may be delayed amidst the destructive frenzy of a masked mob, we will never forget. The EU delegation to Albania said in a statement that police action should be proportionate and respect fundamental rights. while they also encouraged all sides to de-escalate the tension.