Tirana Unrest: 300 Hurt as Police Disperse Protesters

More than 300 people sustained injuries in Tirana on Saturday when police used force to break up a large antigovernment rally. The injured group includes both protesters and law enforcement officers. Authorities also detained dozens of demonstrators during the clashes.

Police deployed water cannon, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Several government buildings sustained damage during the confrontation. At the Ministry of Education, which has become a focal point for the demonstrations, protesters threw stones and rolled burning bins toward the structure.

The unrest follows a surge in protests that began in mid-October. Demonstrators initially gathered to address poor conditions in schools and the rising cost of living in the Balkan nation. Tensions had eased in the days leading up to Saturday, but the rally re-escalated the conflict.

Organizers urged students and residents from across Albania to attend the event. A diverse coalition supported the rally, including university professors, artists, and opposition parties. Local media reported that police increased security measures around the capital and conducted checks on vehicles entering the city.

Albania has seen intermittent antigovernment protests since May. The current wave of anger stems from news of a luxury hotel project linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump. Public frustration has expanded into a wider campaign against corruption and high living costs. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the leader of the Socialist party.

Rama has attributed the violence to foreign actors, specifically accusing Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation. He has called for dialogue to resolve the standoff. On Saturday, red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters as a symbolic invitation to talk. Protesters later set the cushions on fire.

Demonstrators have placed blame on the entire political class for the crisis. Signs in the crowd criticized Rama's opposition rival, center-right leader Sali Berisha.