Tirana protests turn violent
Police deployed tear gas and water cannons in the Albanian capital after thousands gathered to demand lower costs and school reforms.
By Marco Graham ·
Thousands of people in Tirana faced police fire on Saturday as an antigovernment rally turned violent. The capital saw the heaviest clashes since mid-October when protests began over school conditions and rising prices. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to break up the crowd.
Authorities reported that more than 300 people were injured. This count includes both protesters and police officers. Dozens of demonstrators were taken into custody during the chaos. The physical toll on the city is high, with many injured parties requiring medical attention.
The Ministry of Education became a central target for the crowd. Protesters threw stones at the building's facade. They also rolled burning waste bins toward the entrance. This building has been a focal point for demonstrators since the unrest began.
Organizers called for students and residents from across Albania to attend the event. They urged participation to show strength. Several groups announced their support before the rally started. This included university professors, artists, and opposition political parties. Local media noted that police increased security measures around the capital. Officers conducted checks on vehicles entering the city to control access.
The current wave of unrest is part of a longer pattern of dissent. Protests started in May after reports of a luxury hotel project linked to the family of United States President Donald Trump surfaced. Public anger expanded from that specific project to wider issues. Protesters now cite corruption and the high cost of living as primary grievances. Many are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Rama, the Socialist leader, has attributed the violence to foreign actors. He accused Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation campaigns. The prime minister also sought to open a channel for dialogue. On Saturday, officials placed red cushions outside the government headquarters as a symbolic invitation to talk. Protesters responded by setting the cushions on fire. Some demonstrators in the crowd also carried signs criticizing Sali Berisha, the centre-right opposition leader.
