Albania Student Protests Turn Violent as Rama Refuses to Resign

Student-led protests in Albania entered a third consecutive day on October 15, 2026, as clashes in the capital Tirana intensified and calls grew for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Rama said on October 15 that he will not resign over the protests. Reuters

The unrest has centered on the Education Ministry in Tirana. Student protesters hurled bricks and concrete blocks at the building, and a fire broke out there during a protest on October 14. Reuters Students set bins on fire and tore down railings outside the ministry, while police and protesters clashed with tear gas and petrol bombs on the streets.

Police said officers faced stones, blunt objects, firecrackers and Molotov cocktails. Banks, businesses and government buildings were set on fire during the October protests. State police reported 16 protesters arrested and 49 others under investigation in the Tirana clashes. Balkan Insight

The demonstrations began with students and citizens gathering outside the Ministry of Education on October 13. That protest started at 2:00 p.m. and lasted more than eight hours, involving clashes with police and damage to businesses. The October protests have centered on education and jobs. Reuters

Rama, who won a fourth term as prime minister in Albania's May elections, accused the opposition on October 15 of organizing the student protests that turned violent in Tirana. Opposition figure Berisha called on democrats and citizens to join the student protest. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro called on students on October 14 not to let anyone incite them to violence, and the country's president urged calm as the clashes continued.

Opposition to a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner is connected to the student protests, according to reporting on the violence. The New York Times