Albania Protests: Police Clash With Protesters Overnight in Tirana
Police and protesters clashed in Tirana for a fifth day on Saturday, October 17, as demonstrations demanding the resignation of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama escalated into some of the most serious street violence the country has seen in decades.
Police fired rubber bullets at demonstrators for the first time since the protests began, alongside water cannon and tear gas. Protesters set vehicles, rubbish bins and several buildings on fire, AFP reported, and the fires continued into the night.
According to Albanian police, 167 people were arrested during the week and criminal proceedings were opened against 388. Seven police officers have been suspended for exceeding their authority.
The protests began on Tuesday over conditions in Albania’s universities and high tuition fees, but they have since grown into broader opposition to the government.
Police Use Rubber Bullets for the First Time in Tirana
Saturday marked an escalation in the police response. Officers used rubber bullets for the first time during the week of protests, in addition to water cannon and tear gas. Thick smoke hung over the streets of the capital as the clashes went on.
Demonstrators threw rocks, Molotov cocktails, metal objects and fireworks at police. They also used burning cars and rubbish bins as barricades to stop officers from advancing.
How the Albania Protests Began
The current wave of protests started on Tuesday, October 13, with students demanding action over the state of higher education and the cost of tuition.
On Saturday, thousands of students gathered outside the Education Ministry in Tirana. At the start of the rally, demonstrators set fire to a suitcase and threw it into the ministry’s courtyard. The gesture was meant as a message that young people do not want to be forced to leave Albania.
The demands have since widened. Protesters are now calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign over alleged corruption as well as conditions in education.
Supreme Court and Central Bank Entrance Set on Fire
Public buildings were damaged as the protests continued overnight. Courthouses, banks and post offices were hit by fires.
Protesters also set fire to the Supreme Court building and to the entrance of the Bank of Albania, the country’s central bank.
How Many People Have Been Injured?
According to Albania’s Health Ministry, 35 people were injured on Saturday alone: 18 police officers and 17 protesters.
The report also cites higher totals of 132 officers and 45 protesters injured. These figures appear to cover a longer period of the unrest, but the time frame was not specified.
Arrests and Criminal Proceedings
Albanian police said 167 people were arrested during the week of protests and criminal proceedings were initiated against 388 people.
The report separately refers to police recording 1,067 arrests across the five days. The difference between the two figures has not been explained, and it may reflect different counting methods or categories of detention.
Seven Police Officers Suspended for Exceeding Their Authority
National Police Chief Skender Hita confirmed that disciplinary investigations have been opened into seven officers for exceeding their authority during the protests.
The officers have been suspended while disciplinary proceedings are under way.
Edi Rama Rejects Calls to Resign
Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected calls for his resignation. In a video address, he blamed unnamed “foreign hands” for inciting the violence.
Rama did not identify who he believed was responsible. Protest organisers and students have continued to call for him to step down.
From the Flamingo Movement to Nationwide Protests
The current violence follows months of anti-government protests in Albania. Earlier rallies by the “Flamingo” movement were largely peaceful and opposed a luxury tourism development on Albania’s southern coast linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
That campaign helped build the wider student movement now calling for reform.
Demonstrations have also spread beyond the capital to Durres, Vlora and Korca.
What the Unrest Means for Albania’s EU Bid
Officials have warned that the unrest could threaten Albania’s goal of joining the European Union by 2028.
Albania has made EU membership a central political objective. Prolonged instability, damage to public institutions and questions about the policing of protests could all be raised as the accession process continues.
Protests have turned violent elsewhere in Europe this month as well. Read Newsaih’s report on how Limoges’ historic city hall collapsed in a fire amid protests in France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are people protesting in Albania?
The protests began over poor conditions in higher education and high tuition fees. They have since grown into demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over alleged corruption.
When did the Tirana protests start?
The current protests began on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Saturday, October 17, was the fifth day of clashes.
How many people have been arrested in the Albania protests?
Albanian police said 167 people were arrested during the week and criminal proceedings were opened against 388. A separate figure of 1,067 arrests over five days has also been reported.
How many people were injured in the Tirana clashes?
The Health Ministry said 35 people were injured on Saturday, including 18 police officers and 17 protesters.
What weapons did police use against protesters?
Police used water cannon, tear gas and, for the first time during the protests, rubber bullets.
Which buildings were damaged in Tirana?
Courthouses, banks and post offices were damaged. Protesters also set fire to the Supreme Court building and the entrance to the central bank.
Has Edi Rama resigned?
No. Rama has rejected calls to resign and blamed unnamed “foreign hands” for inciting violence.
What is the Flamingo movement?
The Flamingo movement held months of peaceful rallies against a luxury tourism development on Albania’s southern coast linked to Jared Kushner.
Have the protests spread outside Tirana?
Yes. Demonstrations have spread to Durres, Vlora and Korca.
Conclusion
Albania is facing a serious wave of unrest as student-led protests over education and tuition fees have turned into demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.
The fifth day of clashes in Tirana brought the first use of rubber bullets, fires at the Supreme Court and the central bank’s entrance, and dozens of injuries. Seven police officers have been suspended, while Rama has refused to step down.
With protests spreading to other cities and officials warning about the impact on Albania’s EU ambitions, the coming days will be closely watched. Newsaih will continue to report verified developments.
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Editorial note: This article is based on reporting by AFP and figures from Albanian police and the Health Ministry. The source material contains differing arrest and injury totals (167 and 1,067 arrests; 35 injuries on Saturday and a cumulative 177). These should be checked against the latest official statements before publication.
