Albania's 'Flamingo Revolution' turns violent as students demand Rama's resignation
Violent clashes in Tirana entered their fifth day on October 17, 2026, as police deployed rubber bullets for the first time against anti-government protesters. The unrest, driven by students and the broader 'Flamingo Revolution,' demands the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has ruled since 2013. While authorities report 167 arrests and 132 injured officers, protesters cite corruption, high education costs, and unemployment as core grievances. Rama refuses to step down, blaming opposition parties and foreign actors for inciting the violence, even as special prosecutors investigate links between his inner circle and organized crime.