Albanian students protesting on October 14, 2026. Photo: LSA.
Clashes in Tirana between anti-government protesters and police officers intensified on Wednesday, as police used tear gas and water cannon against groups of mainly student demonstrators who threw stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at officers, damaging public institutions and private businesses.
The ground floor of one building was set on fire, while several traffic lights were destroyed.
Protesters chanted: “You don’t have enough handcuffs for everyone” and “Rama into prison, Berisha into prison”, referring to Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha. Two opposition MPs from Berisha’s Democratic Party who joined the protest were told to leave.
One second-year law student told BIRN he was protesting so that “corrupt politicians can be brought to justice”. Another young protester said they were demonstrating “for freedom, to overthrow the government”.
President Bajram Begaj said in a statement that he was “following with concern” the escalation of tensions in Tirana’s streets and called on “all parties to act with responsibility and restraint”.
“At this moment, the country needs more responsibility. The constitution and the law must remain the boundary for all, without exception. I remain ready to listen to all concerns,” Begaj said.
Based on preliminary information from the police, at least 20 protesters have been arrested.
“Violent acts and the destruction of property by fire directly endanger the lives of citizens, as well as public and private property,” police said in a press release.
According to the Ministry of Health “three protesters and two police officers are currently receiving emergency treatment; all are conscious and in good health”.
Euronews Albania journalist Alice Taylor said that while she was taking photos, a police officer took her phone without warning.
The Association of Journalists of Albania, AGSH, condemned the act, calling it “a direct obstruction to the reporting and documentation of the protest. This incident adds to other reported cases of violence, intimidation, and obstruction of journalists over the past two days.”
At least five journalists were injured on Tuesday during earlier clashes between the police and protesters.
The EU Delegation in Tirana expressed concern about police over-reaction and called for calm.
“Freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights and core European values. They should be respected and exercised peacefully. We take note of the allegations of excessive violence by the police against protestors and journalists,” the EU Delegation said in a statement.
“We expect police action to be proportionate and respect fundamental rights and expect these cases to be investigated as a matter of priority. We encourage all sides to de-escalate the tension,” it added.
Wednesday’s protest was the continuation of a rally from the previous day, when students were called upon to demonstrate in Tirana by the so-called “Flamingo Revolution” protesters.
The students came to voice their discontent over university conditions and the cost of living. They also called for Prime Minister Rama’s resignation – a key demand of the Flamingo Revolution protests, which started in June as environmental demonstrations but evolved into an anti-government movement.