Shea Levin — text status

Violent anti-government protests are escalating in Albania’s capital, Tirana, as thousands of demonstrators clash with police, hurl bricks and concrete blocks, and set fires in the streets. Albania’s Education Ministry and a nearby bank branch have caught fire, while riot police are using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. The student-led demonstrations are fueled by anger over government corruption, rising education costs, poor university conditions, and limited job opportunities. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.