Albanian Police Fire Rubber Bullets Amid Tirana Protests

Five days of violence have shaken Tirana. Rubber bullets now fly from Albanian police weapons against angry crowds. High schoolers and university students are at the front lines. They want Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. His Socialist Party has ruled since 2013. Clashes raged on Saturday for a fifth straight day.

The unrest boils over education costs, joblessness, and corruption claims. Protesters hurled stones, petrol bombs, and fireworks at security forces near the prime minister's office. Some set cars and trash bins ablaze to build burning barricades. Police answered with tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges. Demonstrators pushed hard against security lines.

AFP reported that officers fired rubber bullets for the first time since unrest began. National police chief Skender Hita confirmed this at a Saturday news conference. He said the force used them in a limited manner. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare noted nine protesters and four officers needed medical care on Saturday.

Sixteen-seven people faced arrest over five days of turmoil, according to Hita. One hundred thirty-two police officers suffered injuries during the week. Seven officers were suspended pending investigations into allegations they exceeded their authority. Rama, serving his fourth term, refused to resign. He visited damaged businesses on Saturday. He promised to listen to students and protect their right to demonstrate. He warned against further destruction.

Rama also blamed conservative political opponents for encouraging violence. Students complain about expensive tuition, poor facilities, and few jobs. At the start of Saturday's rally, protesters threw a burning suitcase into the Ministry of Education's courtyard. AFP said this gesture showed they would not leave Albania seeking better lives. Journalism student Sinan Billa told AFP, "We are demanding our rights, our future and a better country."

Student protests joined the Flamingo movement months ago. That group started as a campaign against luxury tourism development on the southern coast. The project links to an investment company founded by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Demands now include Rama's resignation amid corruption allegations. Trouble has spread beyond Tirana too. Local media reported protesters in Durres damaged a post office and blocked roads with burning barricades. Confrontations have extended well past the capital city.