Photos: Antigovernment protesters clash with police in Albania’s capital

In PicturesSaveSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkA man waves a large Albanian flag in front of riot police during protests in Tirana, Albania [Florion Goga/Reuters]By AFPPublished On 18 Oct 202618 Oct 2026Protesters have clashed with riot police in Albania’s capital, as antigovernment demonstrations escalated into violent unrest.Demonstrations have shaken Tirana since Tuesday, with thousands of protesters calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down as they rally against poor university conditions, high tuition fees and corruption.This week’s unrest follows months of antigovernment protests in the Balkan nation, initially prompted by a controversial resort development linked to United States President Donald Trump’s family.A protester throws a tear gas canister back towards police during protests in Tirana. [Florion Goga/Reuters]A police officer in riot gear takes aim with a gun during during the protests in Tirana. [Florion Goga/Reuters]A protester throws a Molotov cocktail at riot police. [Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters]A demonstrator is detained by police, in Tirana. [Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters]Protesters try to block a road in Tirana. [Florion Goga/Reuters]Protesters set bins on fire to block a road in Tirana. [Florion Goga/Reuters]Protesters throw Molotov cocktails at riot police as water cannons are deployed during clashes in Tirana. [Boris Grdanoski/AP Photo]Protesters gather in Tirana. [Hameraldi Agolli/AP Photo]