More than 12 hours of demonstrations, clashes with police, tear gas, water cannon deployments, fires and damage to banks and businesses marked the third day of protests in Albania’s capital, Tirana, as student-led demonstrators demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the departure of the country’s current political leadership.

The protests continued from the morning into the evening, with demonstrators repeatedly regrouping near the Prime Minister’s Office despite police interventions.

The protesters have vowed to return to the streets on Wednesday, saying they will continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.

Clashes Escalate in Central Tirana

Tensions intensified throughout the day as demonstrators marched along several major routes in the capital, including Elbasan Road, areas near the stadium and the Presidential Office, the University Bookstore area and Zogu I Boulevard.

Some of the most intense confrontations took place along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, where groups of protesters reportedly threw stones and fireworks toward police officers. Police responded with tear gas and water cannon, while officers formed lines to restrict the movement of the crowds.

At various points, police advanced along the boulevard, pushing demonstrators toward the Lana River Bridge. Additional police lines were deployed near the entrance to the pedestrian area, and numerous protesters were escorted away by officers.

Authorities had not released a final count of detentions, possible arrests or injuries by the end of the reported events.

Banks, Businesses Damaged as Fires Break Out

The demonstrations were also marked by damage to private property, including several bank branches and mobile phone shops.

Banks in the Unknown Soldier area and on Myslym Shyri Street were among the locations reportedly targeted. A branch of the National Commercial Bank (BKT), opposite the U.S. Embassy, was also attacked.

According to reports, demonstrators entered the bank’s premises, removed documents and scattered them across the street before setting them on fire. Two nearby mobile phone shops were also targeted.

Fires were reported at a kiosk on Elbasan Road and another near the Prime Minister’s Office, sending smoke into the surrounding streets.

Tear gas and smoke repeatedly spread across parts of the city center as protesters continued to gather and move between locations.

Protesters Demand Rama’s Resignation

The central demand of the demonstrators remains the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and a broader change in the country’s political leadership.

“Rama, resign!” was among the slogans heard throughout the marches.

Young protesters have voiced dissatisfaction with the government, living conditions, educational opportunities and their prospects for the future in Albania. They have framed their demands as a call for political accountability and fundamental change.

Despite repeated police interventions, demonstrators returned several times to the area outside the government headquarters before moving toward Zogu I Boulevard later in the evening.

Officials Urge Restraint as Demonstrations Continue

The protests have prompted responses from state officials. Senior police representatives have urged demonstrators to refrain from violence and expressed concern about minors becoming involved in confrontations.

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has also stressed that the right to protest should not be accompanied by violence, emphasizing the importance of protecting children.

President Bajram Begaj has called for calm, responsibility and dialogue, while the OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed his message and offered to assist in facilitating dialogue if requested.