New protests in Tirana — students demand Edi Rama's resignation
High school and university students joined broader anti-government rallies in Tirana on October 31, 2026, demanding lower tuition, more education funding and a resignation.
Tirana — October 31, 2026. Thousands of people took to the streets of Albania's capital as anti-government demonstrations intensified.
High school pupils and university students joined broader protest movements demanding lower tuition fees, greater state investment in education and action against corruption within the education system. Many of the protesters said their demands include the resignation of socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.
For days leading up to October 31, 2026, demonstrators threw stones, rockets, Molotov cocktails and fireworks at police. Security forces replied with batons, water cannons and tear gas during clashes in the city centre.
Escalation and regional context
Authorities described the confrontations as concentrated in central Tirana, where both sides used crowd-control and improvised devices. The unrest in Albania has mirrored unrest elsewhere in Europe, driven by rising fuel prices, concerns over education, cuts to public services and a housing crisis.
France and Italy have also experienced demonstrations over similar grievances in recent weeks, underscoring broader public frustration across the region. Protesters in Tirana continued to press their demands and call for political change.
Photo: press material from the event
