Tirana was rocked by violent clashes on Sunday as protesters threw Molotov cocktails, fireworks and stones at police and public institutions, leaving 19 police officers, four protesters, a journalist and four bystanders injured, according to reports.
The most serious confrontations occurred in the afternoon around Skanderbeg Square, where some protesters clashed with police and attacked officers with sticks. Throughout the day, the main Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard repeatedly became a scene of clashes, with police responding with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets.
Violence continued into the evening, when protesters returned to the headquarters of the governing Socialist Party and attacked the building. Serious confrontations were also reported near the Bank of Albania.
Other areas affected by clashes included Kavaja Street, Bardhyl Street, Dibra Street and the Unknown Soldier monument. Bins were set on fire in several locations, while protesters threw large numbers of Molotov cocktails at police officers near the Lana Bridge, close to the headquarters of the opposition Democratic Party.
Several people were taken into custody during the day. Fires caused by Molotov cocktails also affected Police Station No. 3 on Mine Peza Street and the Ministry of Interior. Attacks were additionally reported at the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Agriculture.
During the evening clashes, police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets in response to attacks involving Molotov cocktails, stones and fireworks. Some protesters subsequently sought shelter inside the Democratic Party headquarters, where police later entered the area and used tear gas.
The reported injuries included 19 police officers, four protesters—one of them a minor—a journalist and four bystanders. The incidents caused damage to public property and disrupted movement across several parts of the Albanian capital.
