Albanian Capital Endures Fifth Day of Anti‑Government Unrest

Oct. 17, 2026, 4:28 p.m. ET | 2 min read

On Saturday, confrontations erupted outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana, marking the fifth consecutive day of anti‑government unrest.

Demonstrators threw rocks, petrol bombs, flares and fireworks at officers, who answered with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges as the fighting spread across the city centre.

The situation worsened when high‑school and university students joined a wider anti‑government campaign demanding the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Authorities reported that 167 individuals were detained and 132 police officers sustained injuries during the disturbances.

“For five days, the national police have confronted violent acts during rallies, with masked individuals attacking officers and public institutions for extended periods, damaging both public and private property,” said National Police Chief Skender Hita.

Seven officers have been suspended while investigations proceed into allegations of exceeding their duties,” he added.

The recent demonstrations follow months of rallies in Tirana organized by the Flamingo movement, which was formed to oppose a major luxury tourism project on Albania’s southern coast tied to an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, son‑in‑law of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

As night descended, police clashed with protesters in central Tirana, clearing stone‑strewn streets while tear gas and smoke from burning trash bins filled the air. Young demonstrators set vehicles ablaze, attacked government buildings and pressed against police lines, often pushing officers back.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, in office since 2013 and now serving his fourth term, has refused to step down, accusing his conservative rivals of provoking the violence.

“I will not allow anyone to jeopardise the future of this country … not for the political gain of those who use their wicked hand to sow disorder and destruction,” Mr Rama said in a video address.

“My responsibility in these difficult hours is clear: to protect our citizens, ensure justice and move Albania forward,” he said.

Gatopoulos reported from Athens, Greece.

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