Tirana, Oct 20,2026: Anti-government protests in Albania entered their eighth day on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Edi Rama warning that those responsible for damaging public property would be held accountable as the clashes between demonstrators and police escalated sharply. Compelled by the grave circumstances to issue statement after attacks on key state institutions in Tirana sent shockwaves beyond Albania, with protesters targeting the Supreme Court and financial institutions by hurling petrol bombs and rocks. Parts of the Supreme Court building were engulfed in flames, furniture was burned and case files were scattered.Banks were also attacked.
High school and university students demanding lower tuition fees, greater State investment in education, and protesting corruption in the education system, have joined a broader anti-government movement calling for the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. For days, protesters have hurled rocks, flares, firebombs and fireworks at the police, who have used batons, water cannons and tear gas in clashes in the city centre.
Last day Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a meeting with high school leaders, stated that a package is being prepared, not only criminal but also administrative, emphasizing that those who damage and destroy will pay.
High school and university students demanding lower tuition fees, greater State investment in education, and protesting corruption in the education system, have joined a broader anti-government movement calling for the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. For days, protesters have hurled rocks, flares, firebombs and fireworks at the police, who have used batons, water cannons and tear gas in clashes in the city centre.
Rama emphasized that anyone who damages what was built with citizens’ taxes will be pursued by the shadow of the state, which will demand compensation.
Albania is one of several European countries experiencing protests over rising fuel costs, discontent with the state of schools, declining public services and a housing crisis, including France and Italy. In Spain and Portugal, tent camps have sprung up to protest unaffordable housing, while a rally and a protest were also being planned in Greece on Tuesday (October 20) evening and Wednesday (October 21, 2026).
In Albania, the latest protests follow months of rallies organised by the so-called Flamingo movement, launched in opposition to a major luxury tourism development on Albania’s southern coast, linked to an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
