Albania students protest high education costs:Set govt buildings and banks ablaze; student movements intensify across 11 countries

Students in Albania’s capital, Tirana, have taken to the streets to protest rising education costs and poor university facilities, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. During the demonstrations, protesters set fire to the Prime Minister’s Office, government buildings and branches of several banks. Police used tear gas and water to disperse the crowds, leaving dozens of police officers and protesters injured. The protests come amid student demonstrations in several countries, including India, France and Germany, over various demands. Students’ anger has been building for months Discontent among Albanian students has been growing for months over rising education expenses and limited job opportunities after graduation. Students say the cost of education continues to increase, while employment prospects remain poor even after completing their degrees. Albanian journalist Arlis Alikaj told Al Jazeera that the current demonstrations reflect anger that has been building for several months. Afrim Krasniqi, a professor and researcher at Tirana’s Institute for Political Studies, said students and young people had held peaceful protests for nearly three months, but their demands were ignored. Krasniqi alleged that instead of engaging in dialogue, the government repeatedly attempted to discredit the protesters. Public frustration has also grown over the lack of accountability in government institutions and the failure to address citizens’ grievances. Corruption allegations and luxury resort project fuel anger Rama has served as Albania’s prime minister since 2013 and secured a fourth term in office following last year’s election. However, allegations of corruption involving senior government officials have added to public discontent. Another source of opposition is a proposed luxury resort on Albania’s southern coast linked to Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Speaking to Reuters on Thursday, Rama rejected calls for his resignation, saying governments should be changed through democratic elections. He argued that Albania had held elections the previous year, not a revolution. Albania witnessed major student protests in 2018 Albania also saw large-scale student demonstrations in December 2018 over rising education costs. Under pressure from the protests, Rama reshuffled his Cabinet, removing eight ministers and announcing measures under a programme called the ‘Pact for the University’ to address problems in higher education. According to Al Jazeera, Albania remains politically divided, with a significant gap between rich and poor. Weak political institutions have also limited the channels through which citizens can raise grievances and seek solutions.