Albanian police fire tear gas as anti-government student protests turn violent
Anti-government protests in Albania have turned violent as students clash with police over corruption and economic grievances. Demonstrators have targeted government buildings and banks, marking a significant challenge to Prime Minister Edi Rama's administration.
Why it matters
The escalation of civil unrest in Albania reflects growing political instability and public dissatisfaction with the current government.
Albanian police fire tear gas as anti-government student protests turn violent left Smoke rises near police officers in riot gear wearing gas masks, during an anti-government protest by students in Tirana, Albania. Reuters Reuters https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/tnlzua/article71621346.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-10-24T185212Z_610129908_RC2S9OAWVBTS_RTRMADP_3_ALBANIA-PROTESTS.JPG FLORION GOGA Smoke rises near police officers in riot gear wearing gas masks, during an anti-government protest by students in Tirana, Albania, October 24, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga Student-led demonstrations, fuelled by anger over perceived government corruption have engulfed central Tirana and spread to other cities this month TIRANA Albanian riot police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who threw rocks at officers and started a fire at the door of the agriculture ministry in the capital, Tirana, on Saturday (October 24, 2026).
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