Protesters clash with police in Albania as anti-government unrest escalates

Violent anti-government protests erupted in Tirana, Albania, on Saturday as demonstrators launched fireworks at riot police, who responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. The clashes mark an escalation in ongoing unrest against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government. The student-led protests, driven by anger over alleged government corruption, unemployment, and poor education standards, have spread across central Tirana and other cities this month. Demonstrators have demanded Rama's resignation, targeting government buildings, banks, and shops, while also throwing rocks and starting a fire at the agriculture ministry. The unrest follows months of peaceful summer protests against a luxury coastal development backed by Jared Kushner, and aligns with broader demonstrations across Europe over issues including corruption, education, cost of living, pensions, and housing.