The 94th consecutive protest against the government in Tirana escalated this Tuesday with tensions near the Prime Minister’s Office, clashes with police, and the detention of protesters. The gathering, centered on the demand for Edi Rama’s removal, later moved toward police stations after 11 people were taken by officers.
Tensions in front of the Prime Minister’s Office
The gathering began in front of the Prime Minister’s Office building, but the situation changed when part of the protesters split in two directions and approached the rear entrances of the facility as well.
According to the version reported from the scene, one group tried to move closer to the building after information emerged that the prime minister was inside. Police responded by immediately reinforcing the perimeter and blocking the crowd’s advance.
Clashes after police warnings
After warning calls over a megaphone, clashes broke out between protesters and State Police forces. Officers intervened to push back the crowd and keep the area around the Prime Minister’s Office under control.
Footage from the scene showed a tense situation, while the police presence around the government building increased within minutes.
11 detained and march toward police stations
During the protest, police detained 11 people. This move by law enforcement immediately became the reason for the protest to shift into another phase.
After the gathering in front of the Prime Minister’s Office ended, protesters first marched toward Police Station No. 1 and then toward Police Station No. 3, demanding the release of those detained.
Rama leaves under heavy security measures
After the march began, Prime Minister Edi Rama left the Prime Minister’s Office premises under strict security measures.
Tuesday’s protest marked the 94th day of mobilization against the government. Alongside Rama’s resignation, protesters have also articulated demands for a change in the political class and the creation of a transitional government.
The situation in the capital remained tense even after the crowd moved toward the police stations, while police kept the protesters’ movements under observation.
The event once again highlighted the open confrontation between a prolonged protest and the state’s response through police control in central Tirana.