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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
Mass protests sweep Albania: Molotov cocktails, clashes with police, and calls for the government to resign
In the capital of Albania, Tirana, on 7 November anti-government protests escalated into fierce clashes with police. Demonstrators threw stones, pyrotechnics, and Molotov cocktails at security forces, while law enforcement used water cannons and tear gas. This was reported by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH).
The protest began near the Ministry of Education, where students gathered demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Later, protesters moved toward the government building, where the most serious clashes occurred.
Demonstrators set fire to trash containers, blocked roads, and ripped up paving slabs. Near the prime minister’s office, incendiary bottles were thrown at police. Security forces deployed special equipment to extinguish the fires and push protesters off the central boulevard.
At the same time, the opposition Democratic Party organized its own rally. Its supporters tried to join the students, but the students refused to merge, emphasizing the independence of their movement from political forces.
Anti-government demonstrations have continued since October. Participants demand Rama’s resignation, education reform, and action against corruption. The opposition also calls for the formation of a transitional government.
According to Albanian Daily News, after the clashes police detained 12 people, and ten other participants received administrative fines.
Edi Rama, who has headed the government since 2013 and won a fourth term in 2025, refuses to resign. Earlier he accused the opposition of trying to destabilize the country and said the protests threaten Albania’s progress toward European Union membership.
Incredible, but true…
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