Albania: protesters set government buildings on fire as 2,500 police are deployed in Tirana

Riot police used water cannon in Tirana on 24-10-2026, and some protesters set government buildings on fire, AP reported. Authorities deployed 2,500 officers on Saturday.

For more than a week, protesters have thrown rocks, flares, firebombs and fireworks, and police have responded with batons, water cannon and tear gas. Students want lower tuition fees, more state funding for education and an end to corruption in education, and some are calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. Rama said his government is preparing a response and called for dialogue, but warned that violent protesters will face penalties.