Albanian Students Clash With Police in Tirana

Student-led protests in Albania over education costs, university conditions and job prospects escalated into violent demonstrations in Tirana and other cities, with fires and damage to government buildings and businesses. The unrest joined the Flamingo movement’s opposition to a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner and broader anger over corruption and the cost of living, prompting calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign; Rama rejected the calls, offered to discuss education concerns and blamed opposition forces for the violence. Police used tear gas and water cannon, and dozens were injured or detained; parliament canceled a session, Albanian officials condemned the violence, and the EU delegation urged a proportionate response. Separately, thousands of students, university employees and supporters rallied in Buenos Aires against President Javier Milei’s refusal to release public university funding, despite Congress overriding his veto of a funding law and courts ordering the money released. The initially peaceful protest turned violent after masked people threw stones; police used tear gas and water cannon, at least eight officers were reported injured, and dozens of demonstrators were arrested.