Albania protests turn violent as Tirana ministry set ablaze

Violent protests in Albania's capital Tirana escalated into chaos as demonstrators attacked government buildings, setting the Environment Ministry on fire and targeting the prime minister's office. The unrest marks a serious escalation in ongoing demonstrations. The protests, organized by students over higher education grievances and against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, began at the Education Ministry before spreading. Demonstrators threw stones, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails at police, who responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets, leaving injuries on both sides. The unrest stems from broader anger over a controversial real estate project in a protected coastal area backed by Jared Kushner, fueling months of daily "Flamingo Revolution" protests. Rama promised a government response while warning of legal consequences for violence, as many Albanians view political elites as corrupt.