Hundreds gathered outside the Education Ministry to demand betteruniversity conditions, increased financial support and improved job prospects. The protests escalated as demonstrators** threw stones, smashed shop windows and damaged businesses**, while police responded with** tear gasand water cannon**.
According to a police update on Wednesday, 16 people were arrested and49 others faced criminal proceedings. Six police officers and at least one journalist were injured.
The student-led demonstrations have joined a wider anti-government movement known as the Flamingo Revolution, which is demanding Prime Minister** Edi Rama's resignationover allegations of corruption**. Protesters also oppose a** luxury coastal developmentlinked to Jared Kushner**, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, citing concerns about its** environmental impact**. The movement takes its name from the pink flamingos that campaigners say could be threatened by the project. The unrest has added to mounting political pressure on Rama's government.