Tensions between the government and opposition in Albania continue to escalate, as the capital is rocked by violent clashes and widespread destruction for the third consecutive day. Prime Minister Edi Rama is standing firm, declaring he has no intention of resigning, even as Democratic Party opposition leader Sali Berisha issues stark warnings. According to Berisha, Rama must choose between the fate of Ceaușescu or Ramiz Alia if he refuses to step down. Amid this charged atmosphere, Albanian President Bajram Begaj released a video statement expressing deep concern over the violence, calling on all sides to show restraint and help restore calm.
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In his address, the Albanian President stated: “I call on everyone to choose dialogue, avoid violence, and not allow tensions to undermine the constitutional order and stability of the country.” The unrest began early in the morning, with scenes of destruction across the Albanian capital reminiscent of a war zone. Ministries, museums, theatres, libraries, cultural monuments, and businesses all came under attack by masked individuals, sustaining significant damage.
The people of Albania used a makeshift battering ram to bust open the doors of parliament. The Flamingo revolution is calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama due to widespread corruption, high education costs, and a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner. https://t.co/sRcDi8FYEH
— Power to the People ☭🕊 (@ProudSocialist) October 15, 2026
Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhia, announced that in Tirana, the exterior areas of the National Museum, the Puppet Theatre, the National History Museum, and the National Library have all sustained damage. As of Thursday (15/10/26), the protests have spread to major cities across the country. In Durrës, artworks and installations from the Art Biennale were destroyed, while the exterior of the Ethem Bey Mosque — a designated cultural heritage site — was also damaged.
Following France and Belgium, Muslims in Albania have also taken to the streets to protest against the authorities. According to reports, the demonstrations are accompanied by arson, street violence and clashes with security forces. https://t.co/2KbSFHueqS
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Late in the afternoon, protesters once again marched toward the Prime Minister’s office, where police deployed tear gas extensively to disperse the crowds. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement continue in the city centre, where street lighting has been destroyed and fires burn in rubbish bins and kiosks throughout the area. Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi has also called for restraint.
