Thousands of people took to the streets of Tirana, Albania’s capital, on Saturday (24 October) to protest against the government. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police, who used tear gas, plastic bullets and water cannon to disperse the crowds. Authorities said more than 300 protesters and police officers had been injured in recent unrest, while dozens of people had been arrested.
According to reports, some demonstrators threw stones at police and set fire to the entrance of the Agriculture Ministry. The violence spread from a gathering outside the Education Ministry to other parts of central Tirana. Several government buildings were also reportedly targeted, with damage to public and private property.
Anti-government protests in Albania began in May and have grown amid wider public anger over alleged corruption, the cost of living, limited job opportunities and problems in the education system. The demonstrations initially included opposition to a luxury hotel and entertainment project linked to US President Donald Trump’s family. Protesters are calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. He has been in power since 2013 and has blamed what he described as “foreign actors” for the recent violence, while calling for dialogue. Organisers have announced further protests for Sunday.
