In brief
Weeks of protests in Tirana erupted into violent clashes on Saturday, with students hurled rocks and petrol bombs at police outside the education ministry and later at the prime minister’s office. The riot police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and for the first time rubber bullets. Masked demonstrators carried saline eye wash to soothe tear gas injuries, while volunteers distributed water and first‑aid blankets. Thick smoke from a burning vehicle and crumbling buildings now cover the city centre. The event has prompted a new wave of investigations into the government’s corruption and a call from opposition figures for a caretaker administration.
Tens of students and activists lined the streets of Tirana on Saturday after weeks of escalating protests. They waved banners, hung themselves off buildings and hurled petrol bombs toward riot police.
The police discharged water cannon and tear gas by the education ministry and later used rubber bullets for the first time. Many demonstrators wore masks and carried saline eye wash to ease tear‑gas injuries.
Violence shifted toward the prime minister’s office on the main boulevard where crowds surged beyond previous days. Police fired multiple canisters that caused panic among the crowd.
Among the young militants was a nineteen‑year‑old medical student who carried rocks to speak against corruption. A seventeen‑year‑old university student said all students had joined a boycott.
The Premier, who has ruled for thirteen years, blamed the opposition and foreign interests and urged citizens not to forget Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Investigations have also caught a top intelligence chief in alleged collusion with a businessman linked to the leader.
The city’s centre is now hulled with broken glass, burnt debris and smoke from a burning vehicle, while special forces have joined to restore order.
