Protesters clash with police in Tirana as Albania demonstrations enter fifth day

Anti-government protesters in Tirana clashed with riot police for a fifth day on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Demonstrators hurled rocks and petrol bombs at police defending the burnt-out education ministry. Police used water cannon, tear gas and reportedly rubber bullets for the first time. Afternoon crowds at Prime Minister Edi Rama's office threw cobblestones and fireworks. Eighty people have been charged with disorder; hundreds more are arrested or under investigation. George, a 19-year-old medical student, said protesters were peaceful for 135 days and are trying to make a revolution like in France because the government does not want peace. Klea, 17, said students are boycotting classes to fight for their rights. Rama, in power 13 years, said not to forget extraordinary things achieved and blamed the Democratic Party and foreign actors intent on halting EU progress. Osman Stafa, a News24 journalist and activist, called for a neutral caretaker government for one year to organise new elections. Lutfi Dervishi said Rama concentrated power and is the only person people blame. A special prosecution set up under EU and US pressure in 2019 arrested secret service chief Vlora Hyseni, accused of helping Ergys Agasi, 39, evade justice; media claim Agasi was an intermediary between Rama and organised crime. Rama admits knowing Agasi but denies knowledge of illegal transactions.