24.10.2026 23:30
In Tirana, the capital of Albania, the streets have turned into a battlefield due to ongoing clashes between protesters and police. Protesters set official institutions, including the Ministry of Environment, and banks on fire, smashed shop windows, and threw fireworks and stones at the police. A police officer hit by a Molotov cocktail also went up in flames.
Anti-government protests in Albania continued today with violent clashes between police and protesters. In the demonstrations attended by thousands, protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The protesters gathered in front of the Ministry of Education around 14:00 and threw stones and rocks at the police.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND BANKS SET ON FIRE
The protesters, whom the police pushed back, dispersed to different parts of the city. While protesters threw stones, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails at police, police used tear gas, water cannons, and plastic bullets to disperse the protesters. The protesters set fire to official institutions, including the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as banks, and smashed shop windows.
A YOUNG MAN SHOT IN THE EYE
During the protests, a young man injured in the eye was taken to hospital. Sharing the footage, main opposition Democratic Party (PD) MP Belind Kelliçi said, "This is madness. The police shot the young protester in the eye with a plastic bullet. It is Prime Minister Edi Rama who ordered and carried out this barbaric violence."
PD leader Sali Berisha, who shared the same footage, said, "The criminals shot the peaceful protester Erion Vishkulli, a journalism graduate, in the eye. There is a bullet in his eye. This is a grave crime committed by the state."
A POLICE OFFICER ALSO CAUGHT IN FLAMES
During the protests near the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PS), protesters threw numerous fireworks and Molotov cocktails at security forces. One of them caused a police officer to be engulfed in flames. In footage of the incident, the officer was seen rolling on the ground helplessly, trying to escape the flames.
Small-scale fires broke out in the famous Skanderbeg Square due to fireworks and other flammable materials thrown.
PROTESTERS' DEMAND
In the protests led by students over corruption, unemployment, and low education standards, the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama is being demanded.