Thousands of Albanian students took to the streets of Tirana again this Wednesday in a massive mobilization that, as the hours passed, escalated to become a nighttime siege of several ministries, the office of the prime minister, and the Parliament itself.
Although at this stage the young people have focused on demanding improvements in the educational field, the marches are part of the so-called Revolution of the Flamingos, a wave of protests against an urban development project promoted by the authorities on the Adriatic coast and in which Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, is involved.
The real estate plan, backed by Prime Minister Edi Rama, threatens the habitat of the flamingos that inhabit the affected area, birds that have become the emblem of this civic movement.
During the day, the students clashed with the Parliament and the Ministry of Economy and threw stones at the office of the head of government. The headquarters of the Central Bank has also reported material damage.
An Austrian diplomat has been injured by a stone, according to a diplomatic spokesperson confirmed to the newspaper "Gazeta Tema," and so far there is evidence of three protesters and four police officers injured, who are receiving medical attention at the University Hospital of Traumatology in the capital. "All are conscious and in stable condition," according to a statement reported by the newspaper "Shqiptarja."
The media covering the protests describe a center of Tirana filled with barricades, burning containers, and attacks on businesses and establishments, including the Toptani shopping center.
President Bajram Begaj, meanwhile, "is following with concern the escalation of tensions during the protests and calls on all parties to act with responsibility and moderation," according to a statement from his office published by the newspaper "Panorama," while Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has called on social media for "calm, moderation, and prudence."
"Albania does not need to burn to change. It needs to build, progress, and protect what it has achieved. The images of violence, flames, and confrontations in Tirana remind us how fragile the line is that separates peaceful protest from chaos," he added.