Anti‑government protests in Albania’s capital caused extensive damage to several official buildings, with at least one set ablaze on Wednesday, as the unrest escalated into a second consecutive night of violence.
In Tirana, thousands of demonstrators confronted riot police, demanding improved university conditions and calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.
For several hours, police used water cannons and tear‑gas canisters while protesters assaulted government offices and city‑centre shops, breaking windows and igniting multiple structures.
Riot police repeatedly attempted to disperse the crowd with tear‑gas, yet the demonstrators remained largely unmoved.
As night fell, the crowds persisted in moving through the city, targeting additional government buildings.
In one incident, protesters shattered windows and ignited a floor of the justice ministry building.
Police drove the protesters back, and firefighters subsequently extinguished the fire.
Throughout the day, demonstrators threw paving stones and petrol bombs, ignited trash bins, and erected barricades using street fencing.
Protesters also assaulted the finance ministry, using fencing to smash windows and force doors open, with a few briefly entering the premises.
After being pushed back by police, protesters advanced toward the prime minister’s office, throwing stones at the building, prompting police to deploy water cannons.
A tree near the building entrance briefly ignited before firefighters put out the flames.
‘Masked mob’
Interior Minister Ervin Demo recognized students’ concerns but attributed the violence to the “malicious hands of outsiders.”
“To those presently setting fire to and destroying public and private property, I urge you to step back before it is too late,” he said.
“Although individual accountability may be delayed amid the chaotic frenzy of a masked mob, it will never be forgotten.”
Earlier, AFP observed two individuals scaling the education ministry wall and tossing flares into the building.
Thick black smoke emerged from a window shortly thereafter, and firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.
Police drove the protesters away, and firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Local media reported that protesters also tried to storm a police station, smashing police vehicles and damaging its entrance before being repelled.
Multiple banks were attacked and numerous shopfronts were smashed throughout the city centre.
Police reported that 14 officers were injured and 35 individuals detained late on Wednesday, while six officers were injured and 16 people arrested on Tuesday.
“Police are continuing to identify and detain individuals who have committed violent acts and wore masks during the protest,” the statement said.
Demonstrators initially assembled on Tuesday morning to demand Prime Minister Rama’s resignation and greater support for students, citing inadequate university conditions and high tuition fees.
For over four months, anti‑government protests have regularly attracted crowds of thousands.
The European Union, which the Balkan nation seeks to join, expressed concern over the “violent escalation at the protest in Tirana.”
It also called for a swift investigation into alleged police excessive‑force incidents and urged all parties to de‑escalate the tension.
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