In brief
On Wednesday, student demonstrators in Tirana breached several ministries, setting flames alight at the education ministry and attacking the prime minister’s office, finance and interior ministries. The unrest, part of the wider “Flamingo Revolution,” stems from anger over alleged corruption linked to a luxury resort project tied to Trump’s son‑in‑law. Police used tear gas and water cannons, arresting sixteen people for violent acts. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu urged calm amid rising calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
On Wednesday, thousands of university students tore through Tirana’s capital streets, setting fire to a portion of the education ministry and storming the prime minister’s office, finance and interior ministries, and nearby businesses.
Triggered by long‑standing anger over alleged corruption linked to a luxury resort project that was reportedly backed by Trump’s son‑in‑law Jared Kushner, the protests are part of the wider “Flamingo Revolution” calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down.
Police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, and sixteen people were arrested for violent acts, according to state agencies.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu called for calm, warning that “Albania does not need to burn to change,” as voices on the street shouted that corruption and a lack of transparency were driving the unrest.
International journalists noted that these events come amid ongoing criticism of the Albanian government’s handling of public funds and the transparency of its political processes.
