Albania gripped by violent protests over university conditions, PM

Violent clashes have erupted across Albania as protesters escalated their demonstrations against what they describe as inadequate conditions in the country's universities. The unrest has seen buildings set alight and windows smashed, prompting a heavy-handed police response aimed at dispersing the crowds.

Riot police have repeatedly employed tear gas and additional measures to push back the demonstrators, who are calling for sweeping reforms to higher education infrastructure and facilities. The intensity of the confrontations reflects growing frustration among students and supporters regarding the state of Albanian universities.

The protests have also broadened into a political challenge to Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, with demonstrators demanding his resignation. The simultaneous focus on both education policy and political leadership suggests underlying discontent extends beyond university concerns to broader governance issues.

Authorities have struggled to contain the unrest, with police repeatedly moving in to break up gatherings as the cycle of protest and dispersal continues. The clashes underscore tensions between civil society demands for change and the government's approach to managing public dissent.