Hundreds of students clashed with police in Albania’s capital, Tirana, during protests over education costs, university conditions and growing social inequality.

On Tuesday, demonstrators threw bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons, while several protesters were detained.

Student organizers said the nationwide demonstrations reflected frustration over limited financial assistance, poor university conditions and a lack of promising job opportunities after graduation.

Some protesters also called for major political change, accusing the country’s system of failing young people and allowing the gap between rich and poor to widen, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu condemned the violence, while the unrest comes amid a broader wave of student activism across Europe, including recent protests in France.