Anti-government protests in Tirana turn violent for fifth straight day

Protesters and riot police clashed violently in central Tirana on Saturday, marking the fifth consecutive day of unrest in the Albanian capital.

Many of the demonstrators, described as masked high school and university students, threw stones and petrol bombs at riot police guarding the education ministry, which has become a key site of confrontation. Officers responded with water cannon and tear gas to disperse crowds, and there were reports that rubber bullets were used for the first time during the unrest.

The protests, which started during the summer, have expanded into a broader movement against the government, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the prime minister over corruption allegations tied to his administration.

Many participants wore gas or face masks, while volunteers distributed saline eyewash to help ease the effects of tear gas drifting through the streets. The sound of exploding petrol bombs was reported throughout the day.

By the afternoon, the focal point of the demonstrations had shifted to the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, located on the city's main boulevard.