Key facts
- College of Europe's Tirana office looted and torched on Wednesday evening.
- Prime Minister Edi Rama accused political opponents of orchestrating the destruction.
- Protests escalated with clashes between students and police.
- At least 89 people required hospital treatment.
- Students are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Rama and the government.
The College of Europe's office in Tirana was looted and set on fire on Wednesday evening as student protests escalated in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama suggested that political opponents, rather than students, were responsible for the destruction, a claim denied by opposition parties. The protests, which began in late May against a proposed luxury resort development and alleged government corruption, intensified this week with clashes between students and police. The European Union's delegation in Albania condemned the violence and urged restraint. Numerous government buildings, banks, and private businesses were also damaged or set ablaze. At least 89 people, including 51 police officers, required hospital treatment.