Albania introduces fines of up to about €5,500 for protest violence, parliament has 45 days to confirm them
Edi Rama’s government adopted a package of measures after months of protests. Reports differ on the fine amounts for individual violations.
On October 29 the Albanian government adopted a package of measures against violence at protests, with fines of up to about €5,500. The measures took effect immediately, but parliament must confirm them within 45 days for them to remain in force. This makes it a government act, not a law adopted by parliament. The news was carried by Skopje1, MKD.MK, Lokalno, Vecer, Makfax, Plusinfo and others, also citing the Guardian.
How the protests began. According to reports, the protests in Tirana started in May against a disputed luxury hotel project in a protected natural area, said to be linked to Jared Kushner. They later grew into wider discontent over corruption and the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Escalation in October. In mid-October clashes intensified after students joined the protests in large numbers, demanding better study conditions, lower education costs and more job opportunities. Some of the protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at government buildings, and the police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets.
Numbers. According to an analysis by the Centre for Eastern Studies of October 22, about 1,000 people were detained or arrested, and at least 388 face charges. On October 24 Euronews reported that the authorities had registered more than 300 injured protesters and police officers.
What the measures foresee. Fines for breaking the rules at protests can reach up to about €5,500, or 500,000 lek. Concealing one’s identity is punished with lower fines of 10,000 to 100,000 lek, with exceptions for health or religious reasons and for professional work, for example for journalists and medical aid. The sources differ on exactly which violation the highest fine applies to.
New police powers. The police may temporarily ban or restrict gatherings near schools, hospitals and state institutions when there is a real, serious and immediate risk of violence or major property damage. The restriction lasts at most 72 hours, with one possible extension. The police may request the removal of social media posts that call for violence.
Other measures. State compensation is envisaged for small businesses damaged by vandalism, looting or arson during protests. An electronic register is also introduced for people against whom a complaint has been filed with the prosecution or who are under investigation for violent crimes at public gatherings.
What Rama says. Rama blamed “foreign actors” for the violence, pointing to Russia and Iran for spreading disinformation online, but also called for dialogue. The protesters demand his resignation and the formation of a technical government.
What is not published. The reports we checked contain no reactions from the opposition, the EU or non-governmental organisations to the new measures. No impact on North Macedonia has been published either, so we give no such assessment.
What to follow. Whether parliament will confirm the measures within the 45-day deadline, whether the text will change during confirmation and whether the protests will continue.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 31, 2026
