Saturday's demonstration marked a sharp escalation after a period of relative calm in the ongoing wave of antigovernment protests that began in mid-October. Organisers had called on students and citizens from across the country to gather in Tirana. Some in the crowd threw stones and rolled burning bins at the Ministry of Education. Police had erected heightened security checks on roads into the capital in anticipation of the rally, local media reported.
Public anger has been building over poor conditions in schools and the high cost of living in the small Balkan country. The protests have since evolved into a broader push against corruption, with crowds demanding the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. Antigovernment sentiment has been simmering since May, when news emerged of a luxury hotel project linked to United States President Donald Trump's family.
Prime Minister Rama has blamed 'foreign actors' for the violence, accusing both Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation. In a symbolic gesture for dialogue, red cushions were laid outside the government headquarters on Saturday. Protesters later set the cushions on fire.
Demonstrators have directed their anger at the entire political class. Some in the crowd were seen holding signs decrying Rama's main rival, centre-right leader Sali Berisha. Various groups, including university professors, artists and opposition parties, announced their support for the rally.