Tirana police use water cannon and tear gas to clear crowds

Albanian police deployed water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets on Saturday to clear thousands of demonstrators from the streets of Tirana. Authorities reported that more than 300 people, including protesters and officers, were injured in the clashes. Dozens of demonstrators were also arrested during the dispersal.

The Ministry of Education became the primary target of the crowd. Protesters threw stones at the building and rolled burning trash bins toward its entrance. The unrest marks a sharp escalation after several days of relative calm in the capital.

This latest wave of violence follows a surge in antigovernment activity that began in mid-October. Demonstrators initially protested poor school conditions and rising living costs in the Balkan country. Since then, clashes between police and crowds have occurred repeatedly. Organizers for Saturday's rally urged students and residents from across Albania to attend, with support from university professors, artists, and opposition parties.

Police increased security measures around the capital in anticipation of the gathering. Local media reported that authorities conducted vehicle checks on cars entering the city to monitor the flow of protesters.

The current crisis stems from broader discontent that has persisted since May. Anger first surfaced when details emerged regarding a luxury hotel project linked to the family of US President Donald Trump. That specific grievance evolved into a wider campaign against corruption and economic strain. Protesters are now demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who leads the Socialist Party.

Rama has attributed the violence to foreign actors, specifically accusing Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation. He has also called for dialogue with the opposition. On Saturday, red cushions were placed outside government headquarters as a symbolic gesture to invite talks. Protesters later set the cushions on fire.

Demonstrators are criticizing the entire political class for the current state of the nation. Some in the crowd carried signs that targeted Rama's main rival, centre-right leader Sali Berisha.