Tirana protests erupt as demonstrators launch fireworks at riot police

On Saturday, streets in Tirana turned into a fiery battleground as anti-government protesters launched fireworks and rocket-type devices at riot police, prompting officers to deploy tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets. Demonstrators also ignited a blaze at the entrance of the agriculture ministry and hurled rocks, breaking shop windows and pulling up paving stones to throw at law enforcement. The demonstrations, driven by students, call for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down and demand lower tuition fees, greater investment in education and action against alleged corruption.

The protests have spread throughout central Tirana and other Albanian cities this month, echoing earlier peaceful rallies against a luxury coastal project linked to Jared Kushner. Similar anti-establishment protests are occurring in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, focusing on issues from corruption to the cost of living.