Fireworks fly as anti-government protests turn violent in Albania (Img: X)
Tirana: Fireworks lit up the streets of Albania’s capital, Tirana, as anti-government protesters launched rockets at riot police, triggering violent clashes. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets as anger over alleged corruption, unemployment and poor education standards fuelled the unrest.
Visuals showed protesters launching streams of firework rockets towards police officers, with explosions lighting up the streets during Saturday’s demonstration.
🇦🇱 Videos of Albanian protesters "attacking" police with fireworks are going viral.
They look dramatic … but are just fireworks. https://t.co/5bIETkTCeO
— kos_data (@kos_data) October 24, 2026
According to reports, riot police deployed tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Demonstrators retaliated by throwing stones at officers and setting a fire at the entrance to the agriculture ministry.
🇦🇱 Video of Albanian protesters fighting police using fireworks. https://t.co/GaxIvHflSQ
— kos_data (@kos_data) October 24, 2026
Behind the dramatic scenes, a wider political and social crisis has been unfolding. Student-led protests, driven by anger over alleged government corruption, unemployment and poor education standards, have spread across central Tirana and other Albanian cities this month.
Another day of protest in #Tirana
#Albania https://t.co/LQFE7xC6tf— Lavdrim Lita (@lavdrimlita) October 24, 2026
Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, targeting government buildings and banks. Protesters have also smashed shop windows and uprooted paving stones to hurl at police.
The latest unrest follows months of largely peaceful summer demonstrations against a luxury coastal development backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
Tensions have intensified in recent days, with protesters in Tirana also throwing flares, firebombs and fireworks at police during demonstrations over the past week.
Students have called for lower tuition fees, increased government spending on education and action against corruption within the education system.
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While education-related grievances have helped drive the student movement, some demonstrators have joined the broader campaign against Rama’s government, bringing together a range of demands under the anti-government protests.
The demonstrations in Albania come amid protests in several other European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
The movements have been driven by a range of concerns, including corruption, education, the rising cost of living, pensions and housing, reflecting wider public discontent over economic pressures and government policies across the region.
