Tirana on October 24: thousands at protest, more than 300 injured according to authorities, Rama blames foreign actors
Police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets, and dozens of demonstrators were arrested.
A new anti-government protest was held in Tirana on October 24, at which, according to Al Jazeera, thousands of people gathered, responding to organizers' calls to students and other citizens from across Albania. Protesters clashed with police, who used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Several government buildings were attacked.
Authorities said more than 300 protesters and police were injured, and dozens of demonstrators were arrested. That is the authorities' figure, and we cite no independent confirmation. The Ministry of Education became a focal point of the protests: part of the crowd threw stones and rolled burning bins toward the building. Al Jazeera's report does not say the ministry was set on fire, although some headlines in other outlets claim so.
The protest is student-led, and university professors, artists and opposition parties announced support or attendance. They demand better support for education and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, and more broadly are also directed against corruption and the high cost of living. The student demonstrations have lasted more than ten days in a row, and on October 23 there was also a scuffle between MPs in Parliament.
Rama blamed “foreign actors” for the violence and claims that Russia and Iran are behind online misinformation. We do not confirm those claims, since the report offers no evidence. He called for dialogue, and as a symbolic gesture red cushions were placed outside the government headquarters, which protesters later set on fire. Police increased security around the capital and checked vehicles entering the city.
What is the link with North Macedonia? There are no confirmed direct effects, but Albania is a neighbor and its instability is watched across the region. That does not mean the protests will spill over here, so no such thing should be assumed.
What is not known? The exact number of injured by category (protesters or police) is not known, nor how many of those detained will be charged. It is also not known whether Rama will accept talks with students, or whether a new protest follows. It is unclear how Parliament will respond to the demand for a debate.
What does it mean? The protests have gone from peaceful gatherings to fierce clashes with hundreds injured. How long they last and whether they turn into political change will depend on whether dialogue opens.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 25, 2026
