Tirana Clash: 300 Injured as Police Disperse Protests

More than 300 people were injured on Saturday in Tirana after Albanian police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to break up an antigovernment rally. Authorities reported that dozens of demonstrators were also arrested during the clashes. The violence renewed tensions after a brief lull in recent days.

Organizers called on students and residents from across the country to attend the event. They were joined by university professors, artists, and opposition parties. Local media noted that police increased security measures around the capital, including checks on vehicles entering the city.

The Ministry of Education served as a primary target for the crowd. Protesters threw stones at the building and rolled burning waste bins toward its entrance. Several other government buildings were also attacked during the demonstration.

This incident follows a surge in protests that began in mid-October. Demonstrators cited poor school conditions and rising living costs as their main grievances. Clashes between police and protesters have occurred repeatedly since that time.

The current unrest is part of a wider movement that started in May. That period began with news of a luxury hotel project linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump. Public anger has since expanded into a campaign against corruption and economic pressure. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, a Socialist.

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

Demonstrators held signs criticizing the entire political class. Some protesters also targeted Rama’s main rival, centre-right leader Sali Berisha. The crowd sought to place blame on both major political figures for the current crisis.