The College of Europe’s campus in Tirana was set on fire amid escalating anti-government protests in the Albanian capital that have turned violent in recent days.��

The damage occurred on 14 October, the second day of protests that have seen thousands of students calling for better university conditions and job prospects take to the streets of the city.��

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama posted a video on Instagram showing the��burned-out��site. “Until yesterday, this was the office of the College of Europe, the school of a united Europe that we established in Albania with the European leaders present here in Tirana,” he said in a speech delivered on the premises.��

He went on to say that he does not believe that the damage was done by students. “Students are the future, they are the ones who look ahead, who want to go further and faster,” he said. He accused political opponents of being behind the destruction.��

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Thousands of students calling for better university conditions, lower tuition have and improvement in job prospects have taken to the streets of Tirana over the past three days. On��14 October, part of the education ministry’s building was set on fire and several other buildings have also been attacked.��Police have used tear gas and water canons to disperse demonstrators.����

The prime minister has insisted he will not resign despite calls for him to step down.��

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“As for calls for my resignation, governments are changed through democratic elections. ⁠We had elections last year, not a revolution,” Rama told Reuters.��

“My responsibility ‌is to listen, address ‌legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward. The alternative would be a betrayal ‌of the Albanians who gave me a strong mandate to complete negotiations on European Union membership.”

seher.asaf@timeshighereducation.com��