STORY: Protests once again broke out in Albania on Saturday (October 31), with demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails and paving stones at police, who responded with water canon.

The clashes are the latest in weeks of violent anti-government protests called by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

In recent weeks, demonstrators have set fire to government buildings and banks, smashed shop windows and pulled up paving stones to throw at police. Police have been accused of using excessive force against protesters, including the use of rubber bullets.

Last week, Rama introduced new measures to curb violence, including fines of 500,000 lek ($6,200) for anyone who participates in a protest that turns violent, even if they do not personally commit acts of violence.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: TIRANA, ALBANIA (OCTOBER 31, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. MOLOTOV COCKTAIL EXPLODING CLOSE TO JOURNALISTS / DUMPSTERS ON FIRE

2. PROTESTERS PUSHING BURNING DUMPSTER IN STREET EARLIER IN THE DAY

3. PROTESTERS STANDING ATOP DUMPSTER NEXT TO BURNING DUMPSTER

4. PROTESTERS SHOOTING AT POLICE WITH CATAPULTS

5. RIOT POLICE SEEN THROUGH FLAMES

6. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS THROWING OBJECTS AT POLICE

7. RIOT POLICE BLOCKING INCOMING OBJECT WITH SHIELD

8. VARIOUS OF MOLOTOV COCKTAILS EXPLODING NEAR POLICE

9. PROTESTER CARRYING ALBANIAN FLAG SHOUTING AT POLICE

10. POLICE ADVANCING