Violent clashes gripped Albania for a third consecutive day on October 15, 2026, as student demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation spread from Tirana to regional cities like Korce. Sparked by grievances over tuition fees and months of anger surrounding a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, protesters damaged government property, while police deployed tear gas and water cannons. Prime Minister Rama blamed opposition figures for the campus destruction.
Violent clashes and casualties in Tirana
- ▪During protests in Tirana on October 14, 2026, health officials reported 89 people were treated at hospitals, including 61 police officers, while police arrested 65 individuals suspected of attacking officers and damaging property
- ▪Albanian student protesters hurled bricks, stones, and concrete blocks at police and government buildings in Tirana, while riot police used tear gas and water cannons during three consecutive days of violent clashes from October 13 to October 15, 2026
Student grievances and demands
- ▪Albanian journalism student Teftalia Papa stated that students were seeking an affordable education and adequate healthcare standards without being burdened by rising living costs
- ▪Albanian student organizers staged boycotts and demonstrations demanding higher financial support, improved campus conditions, lower tuition fees, and better post-graduation employment opportunities
Calls for political change
- ▪Albanian protester Luljeta Kola called for a revolution and a complete system change during anti-government demonstrations in Tirana on October 13, 2026
- ▪Demonstrators in Albania's anti-government 'flamingo movement' issued an ultimatum demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation by 1:00 p.m. on October 15, 2026, over allegations of widespread political corruption and systemic inequality
Protests spread to regional cities
- ▪Local media broadcast footage showing student protesters confronting police and erecting makeshift street barriers in southern coastal cities of Albania on October 15, 2026
- ▪Student demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation spread beyond Tirana on October 15, 2026 to smaller regional cities, including Korce where students smashed school windows and blocked traffic
Government response to protest violence
- ▪Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu stated on Facebook that violence, throwing stones, and attacking public property was not an acceptable way for youth to express grievances
- ▪Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama posted a video on October 15, 2026 touring the fire-damaged campus office of the College of Europe in Tirana, attributing the destruction to opposition political figures rather than students
European Union statements
- ▪The European Union delegation in Albania issued a statement on October 14, 2026, calling freedom of assembly and expression fundamental European values
- ▪The European Union delegation in Tirana issued a statement condemning Thursday's violent escalation during the October 15, 2026 anti-government protests in Albania while urging investigations into allegations of excessive police force
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