Tirana Protests Enter Day 7 as Police Station and Ministries Burn

Tirana remains in chaos for a seventh consecutive day as anti-government protests have escalated into violent clashes, with demonstrators setting fire to a police station and government buildings. Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the attacks, calling them a crossing of "red lines" and announcing financial rewards for police. Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails, damaging storefronts and setting fires at a police station and the Interior Ministry entrance, while police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. Ten officers were injured in the arson attack, and multiple arrests and injuries among demonstrators have been reported. Rama pledged 2,500 euros to each police officer involved in quelling the riots and announced pay increases effective January 1, 2027. He also warned that parents of minors involved in violence will pay for damages, and students attacking police will lose state subsidies.