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France 24
France 24
Politics
FRANCE 24

Clashes grip Tirana as Albanian PM blames 'foreign hands' for mounting unrest

Protesters stand behind a makeshift shield during an anti-government demonstration in Tirana
Protesters stand behind a makeshift shield as they face off with police water canon during an anti-government demonstration in central Tirana on October 16, 2026. © Adnan Beci, AFP

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday blamed the involvement of “foreign hands” for escalating protests, which he said are aimed at hindering Albania's bid to join the European Union. Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Albania's capital since Tuesday, demanding Rama’s resignation and denouncing university conditions and high tuition fees.

Protesters clashed with police in Albania's capital for the fourth day Friday as Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed "foreign hands" for mounting unrest.

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