Key facts
- Part of the education ministry's building was set on fire.
- Prime minister's office, finance and interior ministry, and surrounding businesses were attacked.
- Protesters threw rocks and firecrackers through the education ministry's gates.
- Riot police used tear gas and water cannons.
- Protester Enida Bimi stated the protest is for "all the people of Albania" due to corruption and crime.
- Economy minister Delina Ibrahimaj condemned the burning of institutions.
Thousands of students took to the streets in Tirana, Albania's capital, on Wednesday, attacking several government buildings on the second day of violent anti-government protests. The demonstration began outside the ministry of education on Tuesday, as students called for better university conditions and job prospects. Wednesday saw part of the education ministry's building set on fire, while the prime minister's office, finance and interior ministry, and several surrounding businesses were also attacked. Riot police clashed with the protesters, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. Protester Enida Bimi told Reuters that the protest is for "all the people of Albania" due to anger at the system, corruption, and crime. Economy minister Delina Ibrahimaj condemned the behavior of some protesters, stating that setting fire to an institution is not a peaceful protest. Sixteen people were arrested in connection with violent acts during Tuesday's protest.