Student protesters attack government buildings in Tirana

Thousands of students have taken to the streets in the Albanian capital of Tirana, attacking a number of administration buildings on the second day of violent anti-government protests.

Key points

• Albania's Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has pressed "calmness, self-restraint and maturity" and stated "Albania does not need to burn to change".
• One demonstrator, Enida Bimi, informed Reuters news agency that the protest is not just for the students, but "for all the people of Albania".
• The protests were sparked by a luxury tourism project linked to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner in May.
• Another protester, Arber Leshi, remarked residents are angry at "the most corrupt government our country has ever seen".
• Sixteen individuals were arrested "in connection with violent acts" during Tuesday's protest, Albania's state-run news agency stated.

As students pressed better university conditions and job prospects, the demonstration began outside the ministry of education on Tuesday.

While the prime minister's office, finance and interior ministry, and a number of surrounding businesses were additionally attacked, wednesday saw part of the education ministry's building set on fire.

Riot police have clashed with the protesters, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.

"The individuals are highly angry at the system. They need to change everything. With this corruption all around, the crime and everything else is happening. And the individuals now are angry. They need to change the system, " Bimi remarked.

Another protester, Arber Leshi, remarked residents are angry at "the most corrupt government our country has ever seen". Authorities have criticised the behaviour of some protesters.

"Setting fire to an institution is not a peaceful protest. It is an act that endanger's peoples lives", remarked economy minister Delina Ibrahimaj, responding to a video appearing to show protesters throwing rocks at the finance ministry building.

This student-led protest comes after months of anti-government protests, known as the Flamingo Revolution. It is calling for Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.

Notably, the protests were sparked by a luxury tourism project linked to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner in May. It fuelled anger over alleged corruption and a lack of transparency from Rama's administration.

In short, student protesters attack government buildings in Tirana is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.