Albania Riots Escalate as Students Join Protests Against Prime Minister Rama

Riots in the Albanian capital, Tirana, escalated for a fifth day on Saturday, with clashes erupting near the prime minister’s office as students joined a broader anti-government movement. Protesters have been throwing rocks, petrol bombs, flares, and fireworks at police, who have responded with tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges.

The violence intensified after high school and university students joined existing protests demanding the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. Police reported 167 arrests and 132 officers injured during the unrest. National Police Chief Skender Hita stated that for five days, police have faced violent acts from masked individuals targeting officers and public institutions, causing damage to public and private property.

In response to allegations of misconduct, seven police officers have been suspended pending investigations into claims of “exceeding their duties.”

The current protests follow months of rallies organized by the Flamingo movement. This movement was established in opposition to a large luxury tourism development planned for Albania’s southern coast, reportedly linked to an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, a former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump.

As night fell, confrontations continued in central Tirana, with streets littered with rocks and the air filled with tear gas and smoke from burning trash bins. Youths were observed setting cars on fire, attacking government offices, and pushing against police lines, at times forcing officers to fall back.

Prime Minister Rama, who has been in office since 2013 and is serving his fourth term, has stated he will not resign. He accused his conservative political rivals of inciting the violence. Rama issued a video message asserting that he would not allow anyone to jeopardize the country's future for political gain, vowing to protect citizens, guarantee justice, and advance Albania.