Violent protests in Albania left dozens injured and 35 people detained on Wednesday, October 14, as students joined a growing movement against Prime Minister Edi Rama. Demonstrators clashed with police for more than eight hours across the capital, Tirana.
Hundreds of young protesters damaged government buildings, banks and shops. Some set fires and broke windows, while police used tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds.
According to the Associated Press, 23 police officers and six other people received medical treatment for injuries.
Police lines in Tirana appear to have collapsed as protesters manage to seize officers’ gear. Flames have also engulfed the Ministry of Justice. PM Rama loyalists, such as Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja, continue to address this critical situation with shocking irresponsibility https://t.co/paL0L1XX2S— Tirana Report (@Tirana_Report) October 14, 2026
Students Join Wider Anti-Government Protests
Student groups organized the latest demonstrations to demand changes to Albania’s education system. The protests continued for a second day before joining a larger campaign against the government.
The campaign, known as the Flamingo movement, has held rallies for months. Its supporters accuse Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government of widespread corruption and demand his resignation.
The movement also opposes a proposed coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
Protesters named the movement after the pink flamingo signs they carried during earlier rallies.
On Wednesday, some demonstrators broke through police barriers and built street barricades using burning trash bins.
Police struggled to control clashes across several parts of Tirana. Protesters also damaged at least four government ministry buildings.
Albanian President and EU Call for Calm
Albanian President Bajram Begaj condemned the violence and urged protesters to respect the law.
“The constitution and the law must remain the boundaries for everyone, without exception,” Begaj said.
Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited injured police officers in hospital and described the violence as “intolerable.”
The European Union delegation in Albania also expressed concern about the clashes.
Protest organizers accused police of using excessive force against demonstrators and journalists. The EU called on authorities to respond in a fair and measured way.
“Freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights and core European values,” the delegation said.
The unrest comes as Albania seeks membership in the European Union.
The country has faced political tensions for months over the proposed coastal development project and corruption allegations against the government.
