Violent clashes erupt in Tirana as students demand Rama's resignation

Violence resurfaced in Tirana during a scheduled demonstration, as thousands of students gathered outside the Ministry of Education. The protest escalated when participants began throwing stones at the ministry's façade and windows, igniting fire-filled containers used as roadblocks. Young demonstrators in hooded jackets also hurled stones at riot police, who raised shields and deployed tear-gas.

The chant “Rama resign” dominated the scene, while some factions advanced toward Martyrs of the Nation boulevard and Skender Bey Square, launching Molotov cocktails and stones at armored vehicles. Police pursued the protesters, pushing the clashes toward the city centre. Hundreds of citizens, including teachers and members of the Democratic Party, gathered to support the students, while a masked group briefly reached the prime minister’s office before being blocked by police and tear-gas volleys.