Tirana:A fire broke out at Albania's Education Ministry on Wednesday during the second consecutive day of student-led protests in the capital. The demonstrations saw police deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd, according to Albanian news outlet Shekulli.

According to Anadolu Agency, some students managed to climb over a wall and enter the ministry grounds, where flames were visible through a second-floor window. The protests began at around 11 am local time, drawing more participants than the previous day.

The demonstrators constructed a barricade using railings, ignited trash bins and street advertisements, and hurled stones and other objects at the police. As the situation escalated, black smoke was observed emanating from the ministry building. Firefighters arrived to extinguish the fire, while clashes persisted in the streets nearby.

The European Union Delegation to Albania expressed concern over the rising tensions and called for an investigation into claims of excessive police force against protesters and journalists. They emphasized that police actions should be proportionate and uphold fundamental rights, urging all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to reduce tensions.