In Albania, Protesters Pelted Police With Stones

• 17.10.2026, 20:21

Water cannons were used against them.

Thousands of young Albanians gathered on Saturday outside the Ministry of Education building in the center of the capital, Tirana, on the fifth day of the student movement demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

This is reported by Reuters.

The protest turned violent when a group of masked young people began throwing stones at the police. In response, the police used flash-bang grenades, tear gas, and water cannons.

Demonstrations against corruption and unemployment have begun to spread throughout Albania. This week in Tirana, protesters smashed windows, set government buildings on fire, and clashed with police.

According to police, 500 protesters have been detained so far, and 330 of them have been released. About 120 police officers and 45 protesters were injured, although many injuries sustained by protesters were likely not recorded.

The unrest has become the most serious challenge for Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has led the government since 2013 and won re-election last year, securing his fourth term in office.

They were preceded by several months of largely peaceful protests sparked by plans to build a luxury resort on Albania’s southern coast. The project is supported by investors, including Jared Kushner , the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rama’s government has repeatedly found itself at the center of corruption scandals. Analysts note that Albania is a hub for criminal groups seeking to launder proceeds from the drug and arms trades. This complicates its efforts to join the EU.