Albanian police and protesters clash for eighth day in Tirana

Albanian police used tear gas and water cannons against anti-government protesters in Tirana on Tuesday, marking the eighth consecutive day of clashes, as Prime Minister Edi Rama described the unrest as a "hybrid war." Students demanding lower tuition fees and greater state investment in education have joined a broader movement calling for Rama's resignation, with protesters throwing rocks and firebombs at police in the city center. Rama accused demonstrators of "holding the city under a climate of terror" and said legitimate concerns were being hijacked by violent elements. The protests follow months of rallies by the Flamingo movement opposing a luxury tourism development linked to Jared Kushner, and coincide with similar demonstrations across Europe over housing costs and public services.