Albanian prime minister calls for dialogue as Tirana student protests escalate
Violent student protests in Tirana entered a third day, prompting Prime Minister Edi Rama to urge dialogue while distinguishing genuine students from agitators.
Anti-government demonstrations led by students in Tirana entered a third day, marked by continued clashes with law enforcement and damage to public and commercial property. Protesters hurled stones and petrol bombs, setting fire to sections of the Ministry of Education and damaging nearby bank branches alongside offices of the EU-backed College of Europe.
State Police responded with water cannons and tear gas, arresting at least 16 individuals while placing 49 others under investigation. Demonstrators are demanding lower tuition fees, improved university facilities, anti-corruption reforms, and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
In a video message recorded from inside the damaged College of Europe building, Rama called for dialogue with young citizens, asserting that genuine students were not responsible for the destruction.
Sources: Balkan Insight, BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, OCCRP.
Sources
- Balkan Insight — Tear Gas, Petrol Bombs on Tirana’s Streets as Police and Students Tussle
- Cyprus Mail — Buildings burn as Albania’s capital Tirana erupts into student violence
- BBC News — Student protesters attack government buildings in Tirana
- France24 — Albania protests turn violent as protestors demand PM Rama's resignation
- OCCRP — Chaos in Tirana: Violent Student Protests Surge
Earlier coverage
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCAlbanian student protests intensify as demonstrators clash with police in Tirana
- Oct 14, 2026, 09:30 PM UTCStudent protests in Albania turn violent as demonstrators clash with police in Tirana