Demonstrators hurled stones,** firecrackers and other objectsat riot police, who responded with tear gasand water cannon**.** Fires** broke out in the city centre, engulfing trees and a roadside structure as firefighters worked to contain the flames.
Footage shows protesters racing through smoke-filled streets, tearing downpolice barriers and throwingtear-gas canisters back at officers. Shops and banks were damaged, somelooted, while police reported** vandalismtargeting ATMs, cameras, vehicles and fencing. Burnt-out vehicles, smashed windows and wrecked offices were left behind across the Albanian capital**, where residents and workers began clearing debris as** demonstrations** continued.
What began three days ago as student protests over the cost and quality ofhigher education has become a broader challenge to Prime MinisterEdi Rama's government. Students demanding better university conditions, financial support and job prospects have joined the** Flamingo movement**, which opposes a luxury resort project linked to** Jared Kushnerand is calling for Mr Rama's resignationover corruption allegations**.