At a glance
- Police used tear gas and water cannon on 13 October after protesters threw stones at the Ministry of Education in central Tirana.
- Police said 23 people were arrested and six officers were injured. A journalist was also hurt.
- Students say they are protesting about university conditions, the cost of study, financial support and job prospects.
- Reports link the protest to the anti-government 'Flamingo' movement that began in May over a resort plan at Zvërnec.
- The US Embassy told its staff to avoid demonstrations and warned that unrest could bring road closures.
A student protest in central Tirana turned violent on Tuesday 13 October. Demonstrators threw stones, bricks and concrete blocks at the Ministry of Education, and police responded with tear gas and water cannon, Balkan Insight, Reuters and AFP reported.
According to a police statement reported by Balkan Insight, a group of participants damaged the ministry's outer fence and entrance gate and attacked officers with Molotov cocktails, stones and other objects. Police said 23 people were arrested and six officers were injured. A journalist was also hurt. Albania's Association of Journalists said the journalist was injured by police and that a media crew was prevented from reporting.
Unrest spread through the centre
The protest began at around 2 p.m. local time, according to Albanian Daily News. The outlet reported that protesters later forced the entrance door of Tirana City Hall and went inside, set fire to rubbish bins and other objects along Durrës Street and near the Nine-Storey buildings, smashed shop windows and damaged traffic lights. A fire was also reported in the New Bazaar area. Albanian Daily News, citing News24, reported that a young protester suffered a broken leg and was taken for surgery, and that he was later said to be out of danger.
What the students want
Organisers said the protest was about conditions at universities, the cost of higher education, financial support for students and job prospects after graduation. Many protesters also chanted against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, and some called for his resignation, according to Balkan Insight and Al Jazeera.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu condemned the violence, writing on social media that it was not a solution.
Part of a wider movement
Balkan Insight and Al Jazeera linked the protest to the anti-government "Flamingo" movement. It began on 31 May over plans for a luxury resort at Zvërnec, near Vlora, and has since widened into demands for the prime minister's resignation over corruption allegations. Our explainer on the Zvërnec controversy covers the background, and our report on further resort approvals in the protected area covers the latest planning decisions.
What this means for visitors
The clashes were concentrated in central Tirana, around Durrës Street, Skanderbeg Square and nearby government buildings. The US Embassy told its staff to avoid demonstrations and warned that unrest could spread to nearby streets and government buildings, bringing a heavier police presence, traffic disruption and road closures, inAlbania reported. The UK government's travel advice also tells visitors to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, check local media and follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are in Tirana, check the local news before heading into the centre and keep away from any protest.
Sources
- Balkan Insight (BIRN): Albanian Student Protesters Clash with Police Outside Ministry of Education, 2026-10-13
- Al Jazeera (with AFP and Reuters): Albanian police fire tear gas at protesters as Education Ministry attacked, 2026-10-13
- Reuters, via The Star: Albanian students protest over education, jobs, clash with police, 2026-10-13
- Albanian Daily News: Tirana Erupts in Student Protests as Clashes With Police Leave Young Man Seriously Injured, 2026-10-13
- Albanian Daily News: Violent Protests Erupt in Tirana as Demonstrators Vandalize City Streets and Enter City Hall, 2026-10-13
- inAlbania: US Embassy Warns Americans as Tirana Protest Turns Violent, 2026-10-13
- GOV.UK (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office): Albania travel advice: safety and security