More than 300 injured as Tirana police disperse anti-government rally
Water cannons and tear gas were deployed on Saturday after weeks of escalating unrest over school conditions and the cost of living.
By Evelyn Adeyemi ·
Thousands of Albanians faced water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets in Tirana on Saturday as police moved to break up an antigovernment rally. The confrontation left more than 300 people injured, a figure that includes both demonstrators and law enforcement officers. Authorities also reported the arrest of dozens of protesters.
The violence interrupted a brief period of relative calm in the capital. Tensions had risen in recent days, but Saturday’s escalation followed organizers’ calls for students and citizens from across the country to attend. The rally marked the latest phase of a protest movement that began in mid-October, driven by complaints about poor school infrastructure and rising living costs in the Balkan state.
Security forces increased their presence around the city prior to the event. Police conducted vehicle checks on cars entering Tirana, according to local media. The crowd included a diverse coalition of groups, with university professors, artists, and opposition parties announcing their support for the demonstration.
The Ministry of Education building became a primary target for the protesters. Stone throwing and burning waste bins were directed at the facility, which has served as a focal point for the demonstrations. Several other government buildings were also attacked during the clashes.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, a Socialist, has sought to manage the crisis through symbolic gestures and rhetoric. He blamed foreign actors for the unrest, specifically accusing Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation. In an attempt to signal openness to negotiation, red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters on Saturday as a metaphorical invitation to dialogue.
Protesters rejected the gesture by setting the cushions on fire. The action underscored a sentiment among demonstrators that the entire political class shares responsibility for the current crisis. Signs carried by some in the crowd criticized Sali Berisha, the centre-right leader and Rama’s main opposition rival, indicating that the anger extends beyond the ruling party.
This unrest builds on a pattern of intermittent antigovernment protests in Albania since May. The initial spark was the revelation of a luxury hotel project linked to the family of United States President Donald Trump. Since then, public frustration has broadened into a wider campaign against corruption and economic pressure.
Source: Al Jazeera
