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October 15, 2026

Albania: Ministry set ablaze as parliament closes — FrontPages.eu, October 15, 2026

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Albania

Thursday, October 15, 2026

🧨 Torched

Violent student protests in Tirana have escalated on their third day, forcing the cancellation of the parliamentary plenary session and leading to the Ministry of Interior being set on fire. Demonstrators also attacked several other government institutions and banks, prompting police to deploy water cannons, including a blue solution, against the crowds. The unrest and academic boycotts have spread beyond the capital, with students and high schoolers in cities like Durrës and Korça joining the protests. Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the escalating situation from a burned office, asserting that the protests were orchestrated by the opposition and vowing accountability for those responsible. Erion Veliaj continues to serve as the Mayor of Tirana, having been reinstated by the Constitutional Court on November 3, 2025, after his prior suspension and dismissal were overturned. Bajram Begaj is the current President of Albania, and Edi Rama serves as Prime Minister and Chairman of the ruling Socialist Party. The Democratic Party remains the largest opposition party. Ergys Agasi, a businessman and former official, faces criminal charges and was arrested in August 2026.

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Student protests in Tirana have entered their third day, escalating into violent clashes that led to the cancellation of the parliamentary plenary session. Protesters set fire to the Ministry of Interior and attacked several other key institutions and banks. Police responded with water cannons, including a blue solution, and detained several individuals amidst the chaos.

Top Channel: Violent protest in Tirana, today's plenary session canceled

A violent protest in Tirana led to the cancellation of the day's plenary session, with MPs from the Socialist Party leaving the Assembly premises.

BalkanWeb: Protests Continue in Tirana: Young People March Towards Parliament, Vowing to…

Young people continue their protests in Tirana, marching towards Parliament and stating that anyone corrupted and who sells out will have to return everything they stole.

Shqiptarja.com: Violent Protests: Parliament Session Cancelled, Socialist Party MPs Leave…

The planned parliamentary session was canceled due to violent protests that have engulfed the capital for two days and are expected to continue. Socialist Party MPs left the Assembly, following an attack on the presidium the previous day.

Reporter.al: Tirana in Flames: Student Protests Escalate on Second Day

Student protests in Tirana have intensified, escalating into their second day with fiery demonstrations and clashes.

Top Channel: LIVE: Third day of student protest, schools boycotted

The third day of the student protest sees boycotts in schools and faculties nationwide, the parliamentary session is canceled, and Prime Minister Rama reacts.

BalkanWeb: Fear from Student Protests, Drastic Decision Made: Plenary Session Canceled!…

A plenary session has been canceled due to fear of student protests, leading to Socialist deputies being absent for the remainder of the year.

Shqiptarja.com: 'State of War' in Tirana, Chaos Reigns as 8 Key Institutions Attacked

Tirana is experiencing a 'state of war' with chaos dominating the streets. Eight key institutions were attacked, including three ministries and four banks set ablaze.

Reporter.al: Amid Tear Gas and Barricades in Flames, Student Revolt Shakes Tirana

Student revolt in Tirana is shaking the city amidst tear gas, barricades, and fires.

Top Channel: Students protest at the Ministry, police use water cannons

During a protest in front of the Ministry, students were sprayed with water and blue solution by police using water cannons and robots.

Top Channel: Protesters clash with police near the Prime Minister's office

Protesters split into two groups and blocked "Dëshmorët e Kombit" boulevard, leading to tensions with police near the Prime Minister's office.

Top Channel: Protesters set Ministry of Interior on fire, police detain protesters

Protesters set fire to the Ministry of Interior building, and police detained several protesters.

Student protests and class boycotts have expanded beyond Tirana, with young people in other Albanian cities, including Durrës and Korça, joining the demonstrations. High school and university students are marching and chanting against corruption and perceived injustices.

BalkanWeb: 'Leave the Classroom,' 'Down with Patrons!' - Revolting Chants at Durrës…

Students at the University of Durrës chanted 'Leave the classroom' and 'Down with patrons!' as part of ongoing protests.

BalkanWeb: Unstoppable Action: Students and High Schoolers March Towards Elbasan Road…

Students and high schoolers continue their actions, marching towards Elbasan Road and destroying traffic lights.

BalkanWeb: Another Boycott! Classes Empty, High School Students Protest at 'Petro Nini…

Classes have been boycotted by high school students protesting at several schools, including 'Petro Nini Luarasi,' 'Partizani,' 'Qemal Stafa,' and 'Çajupi'.

Reporter.al: 'Revolution': Students Abandon Auditoriums and Take to the Streets

Students have left their lecture halls and are protesting in the streets, signaling a 'revolution'.

Top Channel: Protests not just in Tirana, learning boycott begins in other cities

The learning boycott has spread beyond Tirana, with students in other cities across the country also participating.

BalkanWeb: VIDEO/ High Schoolers 'Masters' of Tirana's Streets, 'Shqiponja' Forces…

High school students took control of Tirana's streets, prompting intervention from the 'Shqiponja' (Eagle) Forces.

BalkanWeb: Classes Boycotted at Korça Agricultural Faculty, Students Support Tirana Protest

Students at the Agricultural Faculty in Korça are boycotting classes in solidarity with the protests in Tirana.

BalkanWeb: Students and Polytechnic Students Leave Classes, March Towards Tirana's…

Students from the Polytechnic University have left their classes and are marching towards the unfinished building in Tirana.

Prime Minister Edi Rama publicly reacted to the escalating student protests, stating from a burned office that the actions were not those of students but were instigated by the opposition. He vowed that those responsible for the unrest would be held accountable.

Top Channel: Rama: These are not student hands, but the opposition's

Prime Minister Rama stated from a burned office that the hands involved in the protests were not those of students but of the opposition, and those responsible would pay.

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