Tirana crowds clash with police, 300 hurt

Albanian police injured more than 300 people on Saturday while dispersing a large protest in the capital, Tirana. The force used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets as the crowd grew restless. Authorities also arrested dozens of demonstrators. Several government buildings sustained damage during the unrest.

The violence marks a sharp escalation in a protest movement that started in mid-October. Initial demonstrations focused on poor school conditions and the rising cost of living in the Balkan nation. Clashes between police and protesters had occurred repeatedly since then. However, tensions had appeared to ease in the days leading up to Saturday's event.

Organizers urged students and residents from across Albania to attend the rally. Thousands responded to the call. The crowd included university professors, artists, and members of opposition parties. Local media noted that police increased security measures around the capital. Officers also conducted vehicle checks on cars entering the city.

The Ministry of Education became a primary target for the demonstrators. Some protesters threw stones at the building. Others rolled burning waste bins toward the structure. The incident highlighted the frustration felt by many regarding the education sector.

The current wave of unrest is part of a larger campaign that began in May. Anger intensified after reports of a luxury hotel project linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump. Protesters have expanded their demands to include fighting corruption and addressing economic pressures. The crowd called for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, a member of the Socialist Party.

Rama has attributed the violence to foreign actors. He accused Russia and Iran of spreading misinformation online. The prime minister also proposed a period of dialogue to resolve the crisis. On Saturday, red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters as a visual invitation to talk. Protesters set the cushions on fire.

Demonstrators placed blame on the entire political class for the ongoing crisis. Signs carried by the crowd criticized Rama's main rival, Sali Berisha, who leads the centre-right opposition. The protest activity continued as officials assessed the damage to public buildings.