Tirana Clashes: Police Disperse Thousands with Tear Gas and Water Cannons
More than 300 people were injured and dozens arrested as antigovernment demonstrators attacked government buildings in Albania's capital on Saturday.
By Tunde Bailey ·
Albanian police in Tirana deployed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to break up a large antigovernment rally on Saturday. The confrontation left more than 300 protesters and officers injured, with dozens of demonstrators taken into custody. Several government buildings sustained damage during the clashes.
The violence marks a sharp escalation in unrest that began in mid-October. Initial protests focused on deteriorating school conditions and rising living costs. Although tensions had eased in previous days, Saturday saw thousands of people return to the streets after organizers called for students and citizens from across the country to participate.
A diverse coalition supported the demonstration, including university professors, artists, and opposition political parties. Local media reported that authorities increased security measures around the capital and conducted vehicle checks at entry points to the city.
The Ministry of Education served as a primary target for the crowd. Demonstrators threw stones at the structure and rolled burning waste bins toward the building. The ministry has become a central point of contention in the ongoing protests.
The current unrest is part of a larger wave of antigovernment activity that started in May. That surge began when news surfaced regarding a luxury hotel project connected to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump. Since then, public dissatisfaction has expanded to include accusations of corruption and high costs. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Rama has attributed the violence to foreign influence, naming Russia and Iran as drivers of online misinformation. He has also called for dialogue. On Saturday, red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters as a symbolic gesture. Protesters later set the cushions on fire.
Demonstrators have placed blame on the entire political class. Some participants carried signs criticizing Rama's main rival, centre-right leader Sali Berisha.
