Demonstrations in Albania have continued for a fifth consecutive night, as protesters call for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The unrest, which turned violent in the capital city of Tirana on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, has led to clashes between demonstrators and police. Authorities in riot gear have utilized water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while protesters have established street barricades with burning bins and thrown rocks at government buildings.
The protests followed five months of peaceful demonstrations sparked by plans for a luxury resort development involving Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner on protected nature reserves. According to activists, the movement has since expanded into a broader demonstration against the political establishment, with participants citing concerns over government corruption, high education costs, and a lack of economic opportunities. Demands from the streets include the imprisonment of both Prime Minister Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha.
Reports from activists in Tirana indicate that the violence has resulted in injuries among young protesters, including broken legs, wounds from rubber bullets, and spinal injuries. On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Ministry of Education was set on fire, and masked individuals attacked the Prime Minister’s office, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Interior. The unrest has spread beyond the capital to other cities, including Durres, Shkoder, Lezhe, Vlore, Korce, and Gjirokaster.
The ongoing demonstrations involve students and young people who have led the movement. While the total number of participants was described by activists as "enormous," specific crowd counts were not reported. The unrest has disrupted public life in several major cities and resulted in damage to multiple government buildings, including the Ministry of Education and City Hall in Durres. Protesters have stated they seek a "total blocking of life" in the country until their demands for the resignation of the current cabinet are met.
Activists reported that police tactics have caused panic among residents and that injured individuals have faced difficulties accessing ambulance services. The movement rejects negotiations or political deals with established parties.
Prime Minister Rama stated on Thursday, October 15, 2026, that he will not resign, arguing that governments should only be changed through democratic elections rather than "revolution." He maintained that his mandate is to continue negotiations for European Union membership and characterized the attacks on public property as separate from student demands. As of Saturday, October 17, 2026, activists stated that demonstrations will continue to intensify across the country.