Police Disperse Tirana Crowds with Water Cannons, Injuring More Than 300

Tens of thousands of protesters descended on Tirana on Saturday, turning a planned rally into a violent confrontation with police. Officers deployed water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to break up the crowds. Authorities reported that more than 300 people were injured, including both demonstrators and police officers. Dozens of protesters were arrested during the dispersal.

The Ministry of Education became the primary target of the unrest. Protesters hurled stones at the building and rolled burning waste bins toward its entrance. The building has served as a focal point for the demonstrations since the protests began in mid-October over school conditions and the rising cost of living. Clashes between the crowd and law enforcement have occurred repeatedly since that time.

Organizers called on students and residents from across Albania to attend the event. A coalition of groups backed the rally, including university professors, artists, and opposition parties. Local media reported that police increased security measures around the capital and conducted vehicle checks on cars entering the city. The crowd carried signs criticizing not only the ruling Socialist Party but also the center-right leader Sali Berisha.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has attributed the recent violence to foreign actors. He accused Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation campaigns. Rama has publicly called for dialogue to resolve the standoff. On Saturday, red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters as a symbolic invitation for negotiations. Protesters set the cushions on fire shortly after their placement.

The current wave of unrest is part of a wider campaign against corruption that has persisted since May. The protests initially emerged when news surfaced of a luxury hotel project linked to the family of United States President Donald Trump. Since then, public anger has broadened to include grievances over the high cost of living. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Rama.

The situation in Tirana had calmed in the days preceding Saturday's rally. The sudden escalation reversed that temporary lull in tensions. Police forces maintained a heavy presence throughout the city during the event. The exact number of arrests and injuries was finalized by authorities as the day progressed.

Demonstrators have blamed the entire political class for the ongoing crisis. Signs carried by the crowd included criticism of Rama’s main political rival, Sali Berisha. The rally marked another major confrontation in the weeks-long series of antigovernment actions. Police confirmed the use of non-kinetic force to disperse the large gathering in the capital.