Tirana Faces Fifth Day of Violent Clashes Amid Protest for PM’s Resignation

TIRANA: Albania’s capital has witnessed violent clashes for the fifth consecutive day as protesters demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The unrest, which began on Tuesday, has seen thousands of demonstrators rallying against poor university conditions and exorbitant tuition fees.

Protesters have engaged in confrontations with police, throwing rocks, Molotov cocktails, and other projectiles. For the first time during these protests, police deployed rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, alongside water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas, enveloping the streets in thick smoke. A young protester, Paula, reported that three individuals were treated for injuries from rubber bullets at a makeshift first-aid station.

The ongoing violence raises concerns about public safety and the government’s ability to address the grievances of its citizens. The protests reflect a growing discontent among the youth regarding educational access and affordability, which could have broader implications for the political landscape in Albania.

As tensions escalate, the government has pledged to listen to the protesters’ concerns, but no concrete steps have been announced yet. Observers are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating potential negotiations or further unrest in the coming days.