Tens of thousands force Tirana police to use water cannon as 300 are hurt

Police in Tirana deployed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets on Saturday to clear the streets after an antigovernment rally turned violent. Officials confirmed that more than 300 people were injured, a count that includes both demonstrators and officers. Dozens of protesters were taken into custody during the dispersal.

The confrontation followed a period of relative calm in recent days. Organizers had called on students and residents from across the country to join the demonstration. Thousands responded, swelling the crowds around the capital. Local media noted that police increased security measures, including vehicle checks on roads leading into the city.

The unrest is the latest phase in a wave of protests that started in mid-October. Initial complaints centered on deteriorating school conditions and the rising cost of living. These issues have since merged into a broader campaign against corruption. Clashes between police and protesters have occurred repeatedly since the movement began.

The Ministry of Education served as a primary target on Saturday. Crowd members threw stones at the building and rolled burning trash bins toward its entrance. The ministry has become a focal point for the demonstrations, reflecting the sector's role in the original grievances.

Albanian public anger has been simmering since May, when reports emerged linking a luxury hotel project to the family of US President Donald Trump. That news catalyzed a wider push for accountability. Protesters now demand the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Rama has attributed the violence to foreign influence, specifically accusing Russia and Iran of spreading online misinformation. He also sought to open a channel for negotiation. On Saturday, red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters as a symbolic invitation to dialogue. Protesters later set the cushions on fire.

The movement includes support from diverse groups, such as university professors, artists, and opposition parties. While the primary demand is Rama's departure, some demonstrators carried signs criticizing Sali Berisha, the centre-right leader and Rama's main rival. This indicates that protesters view the entire political class as responsible for the current crisis.