The University Workers’ Union has publicly come out in support of the student protests, condemning the use of violence by law enforcement forces and calling for an immediate response from state institutions. In its statement, the union warns that the lack of dialogue and the neglect of students’ demands are deepening the crisis of trust between citizens and the government.
After the lengthy student protest on October 14 in front of the Ministry of Education in Tirana, the University Workers’ Union responded with a strong public statement, expressing full solidarity with the young people and describing the use of violence against protesters as unacceptable.
In its reaction, the union stresses that protest is a constitutional right and that institutions have a duty to listen to students’ demands, not confront them with police force.
The Union: Violence against protesters is unacceptable
The union expresses indignation over the actions of law enforcement forces during the protests and calls on the authorities to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.
According to the union, the tensions that have been created cannot be separated from the lack of institutional responses to the ongoing demands of students and citizens.
The union organization believes that the escalation of the situation is a consequence of the government’s and the political class’s neglect of problems. It recalls that even after 135 days of protests, part of the civic and student demands remain unanswered.
The Ministry of Education faces accusations of institutional silence
One of the most significant parts of the statement concerns the position of the Ministry of Education toward the university community.
The union emphasizes that the students did not randomly choose to protest in front of this institution. According to it, the Ministry of Education should be the institution that represents and protects the interests of students, lecturers and the families who invest in their children’s education.
The statement also reveals that the union itself sent an official letter to the ministry as early as March 2026, but claims that to this day it has received no response.
For the union, this silence demonstrates a deeper problem in the relationship between state institutions and the academic community.
Appeal to lecturers: Do not remain silent spectators
In its statement, the union addresses lecturers, researchers and university workers directly, calling on them to support the students.
According to the organization, the university cannot remain indifferent when students are demanding dignity, quality education and better study conditions.
The union argues that academic freedom and university autonomy are accompanied by the responsibility to defend critical thought and the right of young people to express their dissatisfaction.
It stresses that the problems of students and academic staff are not separate issues, but part of the same crisis that requires shared solutions.
Political warning: If the government does not offer solutions, the way should be opened for alternatives
Beyond solidarity with the students, the statement also contains a clear political message.
The union calls on the government and political actors to immediately take concrete steps to begin a real dialogue with students and academic staff.
Otherwise, the organization considers it necessary to examine political solutions that could lead the country out of the crisis.
According to the union, if the current political configuration is not able to address the problems raised by students, lecturers and citizens, the way should be opened for other solutions in line with democratic principles and the will of the people.
This position broadens the debate beyond university demands, linking the student protest to the broader responsibility of institutions and the way the country is governed.
Student protests, a test for institutions
The reaction of the Universities’ Union comes at a time when student and pupil protests are being accompanied by tensions, accusations of police violence and growing demands for institutional accountability.
The support expressed by representatives of the university community gives a new dimension to the public debate, showing that students’ grievances are not limited to a single isolated protest.
For the union, the path out of the current situation lies through dialogue, respect for constitutional rights and concrete solutions to the problems of higher education.
The statement’s concluding message is a call for solidarity with students, respect for the right to protest and the assumption of responsibility by institutions.
In essence, the union demands that students be treated as an essential part of the democratic debate and not as a problem to be managed through police force.