|
Hundreds of youths smashed store fronts, set fires and caused
damage to at least four government ministry buildings during
running battles with riot police, who used tear gas and water
cannon to try and hold back the crowds. Authorities said 23
police officers and six other people were being treated for
injuries, while 35 people were detained.
President Bajram Begaj condemned the violence and appealed for
calm, adding: “The constitution and the law must remain the
boundaries for everyone, without exception.”
The latest demonstrations, continuing for a second day, were
organized by student groups seeking education reforms. But the
protesters have joined a broader anti-government campaign
opposed to a development project linked to U.S. President Donald
Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The so-called flamingo movement is calling for the resignation
of Prime Minister Edi Rama over allegations of widespread
corruption. The movement earned the name after protesters used
signs depicting the pink bird.
Rallies staged for months against the proposed coastal project
have fueled political tensions in Albania, which is aspiring to
join the European Union. It has struggled with repeated bouts of
instability since the collapse of a harsh communist regime in
the early 1990s.
On Wednesday, officers in riot gear clashed with youths who
dismantled police cordons and set up their own street barricades
using burning trash bins. Police struggled to cope with the
multiple outbreaks of violence. Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu,
who visited the injured officers in hospital, called the
violence “intolerable.”
The EU delegation in Albania called for a proportionate response
from authorities following protest organizers' “allegations of
excessive violence by the police against protestors and
journalists.”
“We express concern on the violent escalation at the protest in
Tirana,” the delegation said. “Freedom of assembly and
expression are fundamental rights and core European values.”
___
Cimili reported from Pristina, Kosovo, and Gatopoulos reported
from Athens, Greece.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
