Tirana protest erupts with molotovs and water cannons as opposition demands PM Rama's resignation

The Democratic Party led an eighth consecutive anti‑government protest in Tirana, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the formation of a technical government. Opposition leader Sali Berisha attended but did not speak.

Demonstrators advanced toward the Ministry of Internal Affairs, throwing molotov cocktails at police and water‑tank trucks. Police responded with water cannons and tear‑gas canisters, resulting in multiple clashes and attempts to breach police cordons. More than 1,500 police officers were initially deployed, with additional forces sent after the violence intensified.

The protest opened with a one‑minute silence for two children killed by an intoxicated driver in Drač, an incident the opposition blames on the government and police.