Protesters clash with cops again at Albanian anti-government rally

On Saturday, thousands of protesters gathered in Tirana for an anti-government rally, following days of violent unrest in the Albanian capital. Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. Clashes have erupted between protesters and law enforcement officers since mid-October, with several government buildings attacked, dozens of demonstrators detained, and over 300 people, including protesters and police, injured.

Activist Sidorela Vatnikaj described the movement as a "revolution" and stated that the issue goes beyond students and environmental concerns, touching on the state of rights and law. The health ministry reported 13 injuries, including nine demonstrators, two journalists, and three police officers. Organizers called for more protests on Sunday, with many shops closing out of solidarity.

Demonstrators fired fireworks at security forces and hurled stones at government buildings, leading to retaliatory water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets from riot police. One protester, Rosela Mira, a medical student, expressed her desire to remain in Albania for a better future despite deteriorating learning conditions and a lack of facilities.

The protests originated from a luxury hotel project linked to the Trump family, which has damaged a pristine stretch of Albania's coast, and have since evolved into a broader fight against corruption and demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. The prime minister accused both Russia and Iran of spreading misinformation and called for dialogue, but red cushions left for a symbolic gesture remained empty and were later set on fire.