At a Glance

• Anti-government protests in Tirana entered their fifth day on Saturday.
• Police reported 167 arrests and 132 officers injured during the unrest.
• Students joined demonstrations calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
• Rama rejected calls to step down and accused opposition figures of inciting violence.

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Clashes erupted near Albania’s prime minister’s office in Tirana on Saturday as anti-government protests entered a fifth day, with demonstrators throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Albanian National Police: "167 people have been arrested and 132 officers injured."
• Skender Hita, Albania Police Chief: "Seven police officers have been suspended pending investigations into allegations of exceeding their duties."
• Edi Rama, Albanian Prime Minister: "My responsibility is clear in these difficult hours: to protect our citizens, guarantee justice, and move Albania forward."

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Clashes Spread Across Central Tirana

Protesters threw rocks, petrol bombs, flares, and fireworks at police near government buildings. Officers used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds as clashes spread through the city center.

As night fell, police moved to clear streets littered with rocks while tear gas and smoke from burning rubbish bins filled the air. Some demonstrators set cars on fire, attacked government offices, and pushed against police cordons.

Students Join Anti-Government Movement

The unrest intensified after high school and university students joined a broader movement calling for Rama to resign. The demonstrations followed months of rallies in Tirana organized by the so-called Flamingo movement.

The movement initially opposed a major luxury tourism development planned for Albania’s southern coast and linked to an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Rama, who has served as prime minister since 2013 and is now in his fourth term, has ruled out resigning. He accused conservative opposition figures of encouraging the violence. In a video message, Rama said he would not allow anyone to jeopardize Albania’s future for political gain.

FYI

Albania has seen recurring political protests over government accountability and major development projects. The southern coastal tourism development linked to Kushner’s investment firm has become a focus of opposition among critics concerned about the project.

The latest unrest has raised pressure on authorities to address both public anger and allegations of excessive police force. The reported arrests, officer injuries, and suspensions underscore the challenges facing police as demonstrations continue.

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