Tens of thousands of students took to the streets of Tirana, Albania, for a second consecutive day of protests over corruption, social issues, and rising education costs. The demonstrators rallied to demand improved university conditions and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The demonstrations turned violent on Wednesday as protesters stormed the streets, overturned bins, and smashed the fronts of local businesses. Protesters hurled bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry building, which was set on fire along with two banks, including a branch of Raiffeisen Bank.
Riot police responded to the unrest by deploying water cannons and firing tear gas to disperse the crowds. Following the clashes, at least 23 protesters have been arrested.