Serious clashes broke out on Saturday, October 24, in Tirana, where thousands of protesters took part in a new anti-government demonstration.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control outside the Ministry of Education and in central areas of the Albanian capital, while organizers have issued a new call for protests today.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowd, while groups of protesters threw stones and other objects at police officers. At the same time, trash cans were set on fire and damage was caused to public buildings.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Albanian Ministry of Health announced that 13 people were injured during Saturday’s protests, including nine protesters, three police officers, and two journalists.
Albania: Protesters fire streams of firework rockets at riot police in Albania’s capital Tirana. https://t.co/jioU1ez8c6
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 24, 2026
The rally began around 2:00 p.m. local time, outside the Ministry of Education, where students and other citizens had gathered to protest government policy and demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Tensions escalated when protesters began throwing stones at the ministry building, several of whose windows had already been damaged during previous demonstrations. Police responded with water cannons and tear gas, while groups of young people set trash cans on fire and used them as barricades. The clashes spread to the surrounding streets, with riot police attempting to push back the protesters.
According to reports, groups of protesters then moved toward Martyrs of the Nation Avenue and Skenderbeu Square, where new outbreaks of tension were reported.
Surreal scenes in Tirana, Albania right now. https://t.co/47TBhc40Lq
— Admirim (@admirim) October 24, 2026
Protesters burned the “dialogue cushions” outside Rama’s office
Significant tension was also reported outside the government building, where protesters set fire to red cushions that had been placed around a makeshift table, as a symbolic response to the prime minister’s call for dialogue.
This act was one of the most telling moments of the protest, as the demonstrators effectively rejected Rama’s initiative and reiterated their demand that he step down from power.
According to the Associated Press and AFP, the protests were not limited to opposition supporters. Students, university faculty, teachers, and representatives of other social groups took to the streets.
— Mundo en Conflicto
#AHORA | Violentas protestas estudiantiles sacuden Tirana, Albania. Manifestantes chocan con la policía exigiendo la renuncia de Edi Rama, mejoras educativas y el fin de megaproyectos turísticos bajo la consigna "Albania no se vende". https://t.co/xOK61eXrFO
(@MundoEConflicto) October 24, 2026
2,500 police officers on standby
According to Euronews, approximately 2,500 police officers were deployed on the streets of Tirana to deal with the protests.
Security forces attempted to contain the clashes and protect government buildings, while authorities have reported that a total of more than 300 protesters and police officers have been injured in the recent protests.
Meanwhile, dozens of protesters have been taken into custody in recent days. The police attribute the violence to groups that are attacking security forces and causing damage to public and private property.
Situation in Tirana currently
— Shefqet Fejzohttps://t.co/td7Vcsj2C8
(@ShefqetFejzo11) October 24, 2026
New Message from Rama—Protests Continue
The Albanian prime minister reiterated his warning to those participating in violent acts, stating that the state will continue to respond to incidents that threaten public order.
At the same time, he has called on protesters to engage in dialogue, while attributing part of the tension to external factors and disinformation campaigns.
The organizers, for their part, have issued a new call for protests on Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m. Cyprus time.
Source: iefimerida.gr
