Tensions flared in central Tirana on Friday when a political protest near the Prime Minister’s Office was briefly disrupted by physical clashes between demonstrators and supporters of the ruling Socialist Party.

The incident occurred on the margins of an ongoing protest held outside the government headquarters, while nearby celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party were taking place at Skanderbeg Square and other central locations in the capital.

According to eyewitness accounts and local reporting, the confrontation broke out near a key intersection close to the Prime Minister’s Office, where groups of protesters and Socialist Party supporters reportedly came into physical contact, resulting in a brief mass scuffle lasting several minutes.

Police intervened to restore order, and the situation was brought under control shortly afterward. Organizers of the protest were seen calling for calm and urging participants to avoid escalation.

A protest participant, speaking live to local broadcaster Top Channel, described the moment as chaotic, claiming that a group of approximately 30 to 40 people approached the protest area at speed before tensions escalated.

“They said all kinds of things… they came running from that side,” the protester said. “There were about 30–40 of them. We were here. One police officer ran in. The police are just standing there doing nothing,” he added.

According to the local media, the initial confrontation appeared to be verbal before escalating into movement between groups, with some protesters briefly dispersing toward Mother Teresa Square. While other demonstrators attempted to de-escalate the situation and prevent further confrontation near the Prime Minister’s Office.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on any injuries or arrests related to the incident.

The clashes occurred against a politically charged backdrop in the capital, as rival political gatherings and celebrations took place simultaneously in different parts of the city.