Albanian police injure 300 in Tirana protests
Water cannons and tear gas were deployed in the capital as crowds targeted the Ministry of Education and government headquarters.
By Tyler Khalil ·
More than 300 people sustained injuries in Tirana on Saturday when police used force to break up an antigovernment rally. The confrontation involved water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Authorities also arrested dozens of demonstrators during the dispersal of the crowd.
The violence erupted after thousands of people gathered in the Albanian capital. Organizers called on students and residents from across the country to attend. The rally drew support from university professors, artists, and opposition parties. Police increased security around the city and checked vehicles entering Tirana.
The unrest follows a series of protests that started in mid-October. Demonstrators have cited poor school conditions and rising living costs as primary drivers of the movement. Clashes between protesters and police have occurred repeatedly since the initial wave of demonstrations began.
The Ministry of Education served as a central target for the crowd. Protesters threw stones at the building and rolled burning garbage bins toward it. The ministry has become a focal point for the demonstrations due to its role in managing the public school system.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has attributed the violence to foreign actors. He specifically accused Russia and Iran of spreading online misinformation. The Socialist leader also proposed dialogue as a solution to the standoff. On Saturday, red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters as a symbolic gesture to invite talks.
Protesters rejected the invitation to talk. They set the red cushions on fire. Many in the crowd held signs criticizing Sali Berisha, the centre-right leader and Rama's main political rival. The demonstrators have expanded their grievances beyond Rama, blaming the entire political class for the current crisis.
Public anger in Albania has grown since May, when reports surfaced about a luxury hotel project linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump. The issue of corruption and the high cost of living remains central to the campaign. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
