Thousands gather at new Albanian antigovernment rally

What the report says

Thousands of people gathered in Tirana on Saturday for a new antigovernment rally in Albania, according to Al Jazeera, renewing pressure on Prime Minister Edi Rama amid protests over education conditions, corruption and the cost of living. The demonstration took place in the capital after a wave of unrest that began in mid-October and had briefly eased in recent days.

Al Jazeera reported that protesters and riot police again clashed in central Tirana, with authorities using tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Police said several government buildings were attacked and dozens of people were detained. Officials also said more than 300 protesters and police officers were injured in the day’s unrest, which was described as the fiercest in days.

The Ministry of Education remained a focal point for demonstrators, and some in the crowd threw stones and burned bins near the building. Organisers had called on students and other supporters across the country to join the rally, with backing from university professors, artists and opposition parties.

The protests in Albania have grown into a broader challenge to the government and the political establishment. Al Jazeera noted that Rama has accused outside actors of fueling violence and misinformation, while protesters have demanded his resignation and called for dialogue over the country’s economic and social grievances.