Get you up to speed: Photos: Antigovernment protesters clash with police in Albania’s capital
Protesters clashed with riot police in Tirana, Albania, amid escalating antigovernment demonstrations. Thousands are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama due to issues related to university conditions, tuition fees, and corruption.
Riot police have been deployed in Tirana to manage the ongoing protests, with water cannons used against demonstrators. The demonstrations, which began on Tuesday, have been spurred by longstanding grievances regarding education and government corruption.
In response to the escalating unrest, Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to address the demonstrators’ concerns regarding university conditions and corruption, though specific measures have yet to be detailed. As clashes continue, police remain on high alert, deploying riot gear and water cannons to manage the protests in Tirana.
What remains unclear — The authorities have not provided information on any injuries or arrests resulting from the clashes.
Protesters clash with police amid escalating unrest in Tirana, Albania
Published On 18 Oct 202618 Oct 2026
Protesters have clashed with riot police in Albania’s capital, as antigovernment demonstrations escalated into violent unrest.
Demonstrations have shaken Tirana since Tuesday, with thousands of protesters calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down as they rally against poor university conditions, high tuition fees and corruption.
This week’s unrest follows months of antigovernment protests in the Balkan nation, initially prompted by a controversial resort development linked to United States President Donald Trump’s family.
A protester throws a tear gas canister back towards police during protests in Tirana. [Florion Goga/Reuters]
A police officer in riot gear takes aim with a gun during during the protests in Tirana. [Florion Goga/Reuters]
A protester throws a Molotov cocktail at riot police. [Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters]
A demonstrator is detained by police, in Tirana. [Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters]
Protesters try to block a road in Tirana. [Florion Goga/Reuters]
Protesters set bins on fire to block a road in Tirana. [Florion Goga/Reuters]
Protesters throw Molotov cocktails at riot police as water cannons are deployed during clashes in Tirana. [Boris Grdanoski/AP Photo]
Protesters gather in Tirana. [Hameraldi Agolli/AP Photo]