Violent clashes escalate in Albania's anti-government protests

Albania’s capital, Tirana, witnessed violent clashes on Thursday as anti‑government protests that began earlier this week escalated into street confrontations. Demonstrators, numbering several hundred, gathered in front of the Parliament building to protest the government’s recent decision to lift restrictions on a controversial mining project in the south. Police and protestors exchanged fire, resulting in injuries to at least 18 police officers and 12 civilians, and the arrest of 17 participants.

The protests were organized by a coalition of opposition parties and civil‑society groups citing concerns over environmental damage and lack of public consultation. The government’s Interior Ministry said the police were acting in self‑defence and that the clashes were “unplanned and violent.” The opposition leaders demanded a halt to the mining project and called for a national dialogue on resource management. The Ministry of Environment has temporarily suspended the project’s permits pending a review.

In the aftermath, the Albanian Prime Minister announced a “temporary suspension” of the mining permits and pledged a review of the environmental assessment process. Police officers who sustained injuries are receiving treatment, while the arrested protestors are being held in custody pending legal proceedings. The government’s decision to pause the project is expected to ease tensions, though opposition leaders remain skeptical that the suspension will address the broader concerns about transparency and environmental protection.