Photos: Antigovernment protesters clash with police in Albania’s capital
News Source
•Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:30:44 +0000
📰 What Happened
Protesters fought with riot police in Tirana, the capital of Albania, on Sunday. Police used water cannons and tear gas. Demonstrators threw stones, bottles and fire bombs, and set bins on fire to block roads.
Thousands of people have marched since Tuesday. They want Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. They say university buildings are in poor shape, tuition fees are too high and the government is corrupt.
Photos show a man waving a large Albanian flag in front of riot police. Officers detained several demonstrators.
🔍 The Backstory
This wave of anger started over a resort project linked to the family of US President Donald Trump. The plan has been controversial since it was announced.
Albania has a young democracy. It joined NATO in 2009 and wants to join the European Union. The EU says the country must fix corruption and weak courts first.
Students and young workers have held many protests this year. Pay is low, and many young Albanians leave to work abroad.
🎯 Why It Matters
Albania is small, but protests like this can bring down governments. It shows how anger over schools, pay and corruption can grow into a wider movement.
Protesters fought with riot police in Tirana, the capital of Albania, on Sunday. Police used water cannons and tear gas. Demonstrators threw stones, bottles and fire bombs, and set bins on fire to block roads.
Thousands of people have marched since Tuesday. They want Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. They say university buildings are in poor shape, tuition fees are too high and the government is corrupt.
Photos show a man waving a large Albanian flag in front of riot police. Officers detained several demonstrators.
This wave of anger started over a resort project linked to the family of US President Donald Trump. The plan has been controversial since it was announced.
Albania has a young democracy. It joined NATO in 2009 and wants to join the European Union. The EU says the country must fix corruption and weak courts first.
Students and young workers have held many protests this year. Pay is low, and many young Albanians leave to work abroad.
Albania is small, but protests like this can bring down governments. It shows how anger over schools, pay and corruption can grow into a wider movement.