Police arrest 167 as fifth day of anti‑government riots erupts in Tirana

The unrest, sparked by student protests and the Flamingo movement, saw police use tear gas, water cannon and baton charges.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 21:29:49 GMT

Clashes broke out near the Albanian prime minister’s office in Tirana on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, as anti‑government riots entered a fifth day, according to the Associated Press and The Independent.

What happened

Protesters hurled rocks, petrol bombs, flares and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas, water‑cannon blasts and baton charges. Police said 167 people were arrested and 132 officers were injured during the day‑long unrest. National Police Chief Skender Hita reported that seven officers were suspended pending investigations into alleged excessive force. Youths set cars on fire, attacked government offices and forced police cordons to retreat as night fell.

What the reports add

The Associated Press noted that high‑school and university students joined the broader anti‑government movement calling for Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.
The Independent added that the protests follow months of rallies organized by the so‑called Flamingo movement, which opposes a luxury tourism development on Albania’s southern coast linked to an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner.
Both outlets reported that Prime Minister Rama, serving his fourth term since 2013, has ruled out resigning and accused his conservative opponents of inciting the clashes.

What was said

"For five days, the national police have been facing acts of violence during rallies, where masked and violent individuals have attacked police officers and public institutions for long hours, damaging public and private property," National Police Chief Skender Hita told The Independent.

"Seven police officers have been suspended pending investigations into allegations of ‘exceeding their duties.’" – Skender Hita, cited by both outlets.

"I will not allow anyone to jeopardize the future of this country … not for the political gain of those who use their wicked hand to create disorder and destruction," Prime Minister Edi Rama said in a video message, as reported by both sources.

"My responsibility is clear in these difficult hours: to protect our citizens, guarantee justice and move Albania forward," Rama added.

How it came about

The latest clashes follow a wave of student‑led protests that began on Oct. 14, when thousands of students set fire to ministries in Tirana, leading to 16 arrests and injuries to police officers, as reported in Felo News’s earlier coverage (Student protests set fire to ministries in Tirana, 16 arrested). Those earlier demonstrations were part of a broader anti‑government sentiment that has now escalated into city‑wide riots.

Key facts

Clashes erupted near the prime minister’s office in Tirana on Oct. 17, 2026. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Police reported 167 arrests and 132 officer injuries. (independent.co.uk)
National Police Chief Skender Hita said seven officers were suspended pending investigations. (independent.co.uk)
The protests are linked to the Flamingo movement opposing a Kushner‑linked tourism project. (independent.co.uk)