Albanian student demonstrators clashed with police outside the Ministry of Education in Tirana on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as part of the ongoing 'Flamingo Revolution' anti-government protests. The rally, which began as a peaceful call for improved educational conditions and financial support for students, quickly escalated when protesters threw rocks and eggs at the ministry building.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd after demonstrators damaged the building's external fence, entrance gate, windows and facade using stones and other hard objects. Authorities said a group of participants continued their attack with Molotov cocktails, cans and similar projectiles despite orders to stop.
Following the confrontation, police announced that 23 protesters had been apprehended, while six officers sustained injuries during the clashes. The Association of Journalists of Albania also reported that one journalist was physically assaulted by police and a media crew was prevented from covering the event, calling for an immediate end to attacks on press freedom.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu shared a video on Facebook showing a protester confronting officers, urging that violence is never a solution. The 'Flamingo Revolution' movement, which began in late May, has seen widespread demonstrations against government-backed construction projects in protected areas and demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over allegations of corruption and lack of transparency.
