Albania Protests Turn Violent as Police Deploy Rubber Bullets Against Anti-Rama Demonstrators

Albanian police have fired rubber bullets at anti-government protesters in the capital, Tirana, as demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama entered their fifth consecutive day.

The protests intensified on Saturday after high school and university students joined the wider demonstrations, accusing the government of corruption and failing to address rising education costs, unemployment and inadequate educational facilities.

According to reports by AFP and The Associated Press, protesters threw stones, petrol bombs and fireworks at security personnel near the prime minister's office and other locations in central Tirana. Some demonstrators also set vehicles and rubbish bins on fire, creating burning barricades along major streets.

Police responded with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges to disperse the crowds. The use of rubber bullets was reported for the first time since the demonstrations began.

Albanian National Police Chief Skender Hita confirmed that officers had deployed rubber bullets, describing their use as limited.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reported that nine protesters and four police officers received medical treatment following Saturday's clashes.

Hita also disclosed that 167 people had been arrested during the five days of unrest, while 132 police officers had sustained injuries. Meanwhile, seven officers were suspended pending investigations into allegations that they had exceeded their authority.

Rama, who has been in power since 2013 and is serving his fourth term, has rejected calls to resign. He visited businesses damaged during the violence on Saturday, promising to listen to students' concerns and protect their right to peaceful demonstrations.

However, the prime minister accused his conservative political opponents of encouraging the violence.

Students Demand Better Education and Employment Opportunities

The student-led protests have highlighted growing frustration over expensive university fees, inadequate educational facilities, limited employment opportunities and allegations of corruption within the government.

During Saturday's demonstration, protesters reportedly set fire to a suitcase and threw it into the courtyard of the Ministry of Education. The action symbolised their determination to remain in Albania rather than leave the country in search of better opportunities.

“We are demanding our rights, our future and a better country,” journalism student Sinan Billa told AFP.

The demonstrations have added to months of anti-government rallies organised by the Flamingo movement, which initially emerged in opposition to a luxury tourism development planned along Albania's southern coast.

The project is linked to an investment company founded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.

The movement has since broadened its campaign, calling for Rama's resignation amid allegations of corruption against his administration.

Protests Spread Beyond the Capital

The unrest has also extended beyond Tirana, with local media reporting that protesters in the coastal city of Durres damaged a post office and blocked roads using burning barricades.

The escalating demonstrations have increased pressure on Rama's government as students and other protesters demand political accountability, improved public services and better economic opportunities.

Despite the growing unrest, Rama has shown no indication that he intends to step down, while authorities continue to face the challenge of containing the protests.

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