Ten Days of Student Protests Spark Violent Anti-Government Clashes

USPA NEWS - TIRANA — Albania’s capital has entered its tenth consecutive day of intense anti-government student demonstrations, turning the iconic "Dëshmorët e Kombit" Boulevard and surrounding administrative areas into a battleground of stones, tear gas, and flames. What began as targeted grievances over poor university infrastructure, higher education costs, and diminished post-graduation job opportunities has rapidly merged with a broader, nationwide anti-government movement demanding major structural reforms
Escalating Unrest and Structural Clashes
The unrest dramatically escalated when student demonstrators joined forces with the wider "Flamingo Revolution". This collective anti-government movement has actively called for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, citing widespread corruption and a lack of public transparency. The friction points include deep frustrations over social inequality, as well as fierce opposition to a major, high-profile luxury coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner in southern Albania

During running battles that have routinely lasted up to ten hours through the night, hundreds of masked youths and demonstrators targeted government ministry headquarters, banks, and commercial properties. Rioting crowds shattered storefront windows, set fires, and hurled concrete blocks at the Ministry of Education. State riot police responded heavily to the chaos, deploying water cannons and firing tear gas to break up the dense crowds.Casualties and Press Hostility
According to recent tallies released by health officials and emergency services, the sustained multi-day clashes have resulted in hundreds of reported injuries affecting state personnel, demonstrators, and local residents alike. Dozens of police officers and protesters continue to receive emergency medical care at the University Trauma Hospital and the Mother Teresa University Hospital Center (QSUT) in Tirana.

The hostile environment has also posed a significant threat to international and local media workers. The Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) reported multiple incidents where reporters faced equipment vandalism and physical obstruction. Several media personnel covering the frontlines of the riots have reportedly been hit by rubber bullets or tear gas canisters amid the crossfire.
State Response and Calls for Calm
In the wake of widespread property destruction and looting, local business owners along the central boulevards have taken emergency measures, barricading their storefronts with protective metal shutters. Law enforcement authorities have detained and criminally prosecuted dozens of individuals associated with the rioting
Albanian President Bajram Begaj issued a formal public appeal for calm and restraint. While emphasizing that the constitutional right to peaceful protest remains a fundamental pillar of democratic society, President Begaj strongly condemned the widespread vandalism and destruction of public infrastructure. He urged the younger generation to step away from violent escalations and instead engage in institutional dialogue .