Anti-government riots entered a fifth consecutive day in Tirana, Albania, on Saturday, as violent clashes erupted near the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The unrest intensified significantly after high school and university students joined the movement, which is calling for the resignation of the Socialist Prime Minister.
Throughout the city center, protesters engaged in direct confrontations with security forces, hurling rocks, petrol bombs, fireworks, and flares. In response, police deployed water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges to disperse the crowds. As night descended on the capital, the situation remained volatile; streets were left littered with debris, and the air was thick with smoke from burning trash bins. Youths were observed setting cars on fire and pushing against police cordons, at times forcing officers to retreat.
National Police Chief Skender Hita reported that 167 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest, while 132 police officers have sustained injuries. Hita stated that for five days, the national police have faced persistent violence from masked individuals targeting public institutions and both public and private property. He further noted that seven police officers have been suspended pending investigations into allegations of exceeding their duties.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has been in office since 2013 and is currently serving his fourth term, has categorically ruled out resigning. In a video message, he dismissed the protesters' demands and accused his conservative political opponents of inciting the destruction. Rama stated he would not allow anyone to jeopardize the country’s future for political gain, emphasizing his responsibility to protect citizens, guarantee justice, and move Albania forward.
