Violent anti-government protests in Tirana have led to multiple buildings and banks being set on fire as demonstrators clash with police. The unrest, which has persisted for over four months, has seen escalating violence with protesters demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and better university conditions.
Protesters and riot police clashed in Tirana as thousands of demonstrators rallied for better university conditions and demanded Rama's resignation. Over several hours, police deployed water cannons and tear gas while demonstrators attacked government offices and shops in the city centre, smashing windows and setting fire to multiple buildings.
The European Union has expressed concern over the violent escalation at the protest in Tirana, calling for a prompt investigation of allegations of excessive force by police and urging all sides to de-escalate the tension. The protests, which began over a luxury resort project linked to Trump's family, have sparked widespread discontent with Rama's government.
The unrest caps a summer of peaceful protests against Rama, triggered by the proposed development of a luxury resort along Albania's southern coast. Protesters have dismissed opposition figures as unpalatable alternatives, with some stating they are tired of peaceful protests and will not stop until Rama resigns.