Tirana police injure over 300 in Saturday dispersal

Police in Tirana fired tear gas and water cannons on Saturday to clear streets from a crowd of thousands. Authorities reported that more than 300 people were injured. The group included both protesters and police officers. Dozens of demonstrators were arrested during the clashes.

The unrest began in mid-October. Students and residents took to the streets over poor school conditions and the rising cost of living. Clashes between police and crowds have occurred repeatedly since then. Protests had quieted in the days before Saturday, but the rally brought tensions back to a high level.

Organizers urged students and residents from across Albania to attend. A range of groups joined the call. University professors, artists, and opposition parties announced their support. Local media said police increased security around the capital. Officers checked cars entering the city.

The Ministry of Education served as a focal point for the crowd. Some demonstrators threw stones at the building. Others rolled burning bins toward the structure. The building has remained a central target for the movement.

The current wave of unrest extends a pattern that began in May. News of a luxury hotel project linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump sparked initial anger. That anger grew into a wider campaign against corruption and high prices. Protesters are now demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, a member of the Socialist Party.

Rama has blamed foreign actors for the violence. He accused Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation. The prime minister also called for dialogue. Red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters on Saturday as a symbolic invitation to talk. Protesters later set the cushions on fire.

Demonstrators pointed to the entire political class for the crisis. Some in the crowd carried signs criticizing Rama's rival, center-right leader Sali Berisha.