On November 8, 2026, mass protests took place in Tirana, Albania, escalating into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Participants threw Molotov cocktails, stones, and fireworks at the police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Reasons for the Protests
The protests began the day before when students gathered outside the Ministry of Education. The main demand of the demonstrators was the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. After the initial rally, the protesters marched towards the government complex, attempting to block streets with garbage bins and concrete blocks, as well as dismantling cobblestones.
Demands of the Protesters
The protesters received support from opposition representatives, who articulated their demands, including:
- Resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
- Formation of a transitional technocratic cabinet.
- Implementation of reforms in the education sector.
These demands reflect public dissatisfaction with the government's actions and the need for change in the country.