Smoke and tear gas in Tirana as protests enter sixth day

Smoke and tear gas filled central Tirana as anti-government demonstrations continued for a sixth day, with clashes between protesters and police turning multiple streets into scenes of burning debris and overturned vehicles.

Violence, arrests and accusations

Protesters hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at officers, who responded with water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets. The most intense confrontations took place outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, where demonstrators demand his resignation over alleged corruption within the government.

Speaking in a live Facebook address, Rama rejected calls to step down and accused opposition forces — and what he called foreign actors — of fomenting violence to derail Albania's bid to join the European Union. He said a drone carrying explosives aimed at the prime minister’s office had been intercepted and neutralized in recent days.

"There is criminal involvement here. Two days ago a drone was neutralized, which carried explosives intended to attack the Prime Minister's Cabinet. The aim was to cause a fire in the inner courtyard, where that wooden structure is located, and only God knows what the consequences could have been. No young person, no student, nor any minor, could have conceived such a plan, let alone carry it out. This is the work of a foreign hand," Rama said.

He also addressed students and high-schoolers directly in a conciliatory tone, inviting anyone who wants to talk to meet him where they choose. "I call on everyone who wants dialogue, everyone who wants to meet with me, regardless of whether in front of cameras or without them, with or without photographers, to sit down and talk — whether in the Prime Minister's Cabinet, at the university or any other place that suits you. Let's talk about what bothers you, what you want, what we can do for you and how we can improve things," he added.

According to the Albanian Ministry of Health, 272 people have been injured so far, 65 of them yesterday alone. The ministry's count includes 37 police officers, 24 protesters, three passersby and one minor. Police sources say 167 people have been arrested during the unrest.

The recent wave of demonstrations follows months of rallies organized by the so-called Flamingo movement, which began in reaction to plans for a large luxury tourist development on Albania's southern coast linked to an investment company founded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.

Photo: press material from the event