Tensions remain high during the protest in Tirana; at the entrance to “Myslym Shyri” street, the protesters dragged trash containers into the road and set them on fire, creating a barricade against the police forces.

Meanwhile, the police officers continue to advance toward the street entrance, supported by foot units and a water cannon vehicle.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high in central Tirana as most protesters retreated to Skanderbeg Square, staying clear of police lines and heavy smoke along the boulevard, while a smaller group gathered near the Skanderbeg monument. Police units have formed tight security cordons outside government buildings, remaining on high alert near the Ministry of the Interior. The situation escalated when protesters set fire to the Ministry of the Environment, triggering clashes with police that spilled down “Martyrs of Nation” boulevard and into the main square. There, several young demonstrators broke apart benches from an art installation to gather stones and hard objects to hurl at law enforcement.

Protesters also moved to the “December 21^” intersection, where they set fire to trash bins in the middle of the road, blocking vehicular traffic.

In addition to the “December 21” intersection, protesters have gathered in the green space of Skanderbeg Square, near the General Directorate of the State Police, and in the vicinity of the Tirana City Hall. The protest has been marked by acts of violence and tension in several areas of the capital, with trash bins set on fire and clashes reported between protesters and police forces.

The boulevard is filled with State Police personnel, primarily officers from the Rapid Intervention Force (FNSH). A water cannon vehicle advanced toward protesters gathered near the park area in Skanderbeg Square and police used high-pressure water to disperse them.

Masked protesters have also positioned themselves opposite the Rapid Intervention Force units, throwing stones at the police. Meanwhile, trash bins continue to burn in various parts of the capital. /p.s./

So far, the protest has remained peaceful, with no signs of heightened tension or clashes between the young demonstrators and the police. However, along “Martyrs of the Nation” boulevard, a group of protesters tore down a bus stop near the Prime Minister’s Office. Nearby, others uprooted two basketball hoops close to the busts of the Frashëri brothers.

Holding placards and chanting, protesters gathered in the middle of boulevard, facing a line of police officers.

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Upon arriving at the Prime Minister’s Office—where police had formed a security cordon and deployed three water cannons—a group of protesters threw stones, pyrotechnics, and other heavy objects at law enforcement. The police responded with tear gas and water cannons to push the crowd back toward “Rinia” park.

Today marks the sixth consecutive day of demonstrations by students and civil society activists and citizens, which has once again been characterized by tensions—occurring first at the Ministry of Education, then at the headquarters of the Socialist Party and subsequently at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Tensions escalated further that afternoon as State Police pushed protesters from “Martyrs of the Nation” Boulevard toward Skanderbeg Square, where the situation grew even more volatile.

Groups of demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails and stones at officers stationed in the area, setting one officer on fire. Security forces deployed water cannons and fired large quantities of tear gas to disperse the crowd, while also firing blank rounds during the clashes.

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After spending four hours outside the Education Ministry, protesters marched along Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard towards the prime minister’s office, demanding a change in the country’s political class and measures to discourage young people from leaving Albania.

Tensions flared as demonstrators approached the security perimeter. Police used water cannons and tear gas, while masked protesters threw stones at officers.

Fires caused by pyrotechnic devices broke out at several points along the boulevard. Police began escorting protesters away from the area after pushing them back.

Demonstrators then threw Molotov cocktails towards police, setting two police water tankers on fire. They also set fire to a small car that had been brought to the boulevard by the protesters.

An ambulance arrived outside the prime minister’s office to take away an injured person.

The situation remained tense, with protesters continuing to throw stones and fireworks as police responded with water cannons and tear gas.

Protesters also attacked the Cyber Security Authority building with stones and Molotov cocktails. Flames were visible among the plants along the building’s perimeter wall.

The demonstrations, which began earlier this week, oppose the country’s political class. Violence first broke out around midday, when masked protesters tore down railings near the Education Ministry and placed them in the middle of the road.

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Groups of masked protesters pried up paving stones from the boulevard and hurled them at police officers. In response, police forces deployed water cannons and tear gas against the crowd.

The protesters remained on the boulevard for approximately three hours before dispersing into various streets across the capital. /k.s/ /a.g/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the project, highlighting its role in modernizing urban infrastructure while enhancing the quality of life for locals and tourists alike.

Rama emphasized that the investment offers more public spaces, greenery and modern infrastructure for residents and visitors.

“Orikum’s newly renovated boulevard breathes new life into the coastal city, pairing modern infrastructure and lush greenery with upgraded public spaces for everyone to enjoy,” said Rama.

Orikum’s new boulevard seamlessly blends modern urban design with the city’s coastal charm. Upgraded lighting, elegant paving, and decorative streetscaping have transformed the area into a vibrant, functional hub, making it safer for pedestrians, better for local businesses, and far more inviting for summer tourists.

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Gonzato said that, “Art is one of the most powerful tools we have to inspire acceptance, dialogue and inclusion”.

“Yesterday, with the support of the EU and dedication of Valentina Bonizzi and other curators, Boulevard Art Media Institute opened an exhibition dedicated to freedom: freedom to exist; freedom to love; freedom to speak out for equality”, he stressed in a post in the social media.

“Focusing on creativity and personal experiences of queer artists, the exhibition brings together works of art from Albanian and international talents, encouraging a powerful collective expression”, Gonzato underlined.

“For me, it was a special moment to reconfirm a simple truth: in a just and equal society, there is a place for all of us, no matter who we love”, he added. /r.e/p.s./

The “Red and Black Parade” started from the “Mother Teresa” Square to move down the “Martyrs of the Nation” Boulevard and end at the “Skanderbeg” Square in central Tirana, where the Albanian flag will be raised.

The Albanian Parade has already become a tradition begun in New York and now in Tirana. Albanians from all over the world dressed in red and black and in folk costumes crowded the streets of Tirana today. Under the rhythm of Albanian music, the participants created a festive atmosphere.

Attending the parade, there were over 350 artistic groups from all over the world, wherever Albanian is spoken. Representatives from 150 cities, delegations from Albanian municipalities and communes, along with their ensembles, were also part of the parade.

Many citizens had come out on both sides of the boulevard to follow the parade closely.

The parade was organized by the Municipality of Tirana in collaboration with the “Albanian Roots” association /k.s/a.f/p.s./

During presentation of the project, which will transform the end of the boulevard, along the Tirana River, into a pedestrian and entertainment space for all ages, Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj said that the project will be realized with a grant of 11 million Euros from the government of Qatar, on which there has been lobbied for some time. He said that the aim is for the New Boulevard to get transformed into a destination and not just a road that connects Tirana with Kamza.

“It will be made possible with a very generous grant from the Government of Qatar, something we have been lobbying for years. So, it’s not tax money, but the 11 million Euros from Qatar which makes it possible for us. This means that we also need financial statements, now transparent to the public as well”, he added.

The mayor added that some of the institutions that will be moved into the New Boulevard area are the High Court, the administration of the Municipality of Tirana, the Museum of Modern Arts, the Fair Center, as well as a Concert Hall to provide more spaces for activities. He made a public call for other institutions to move to this part of the capital, too.

On her part, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Tirana Frida Pashako focused on the details of the project, stressing that it is not only an infrastructural project, but integrated with the greenery of the city and public spaces, giving the area a new identity.

On the other hand, the architect of the project Paolo Vimercati described as quite positive the change taking place in Tirana in the last decade. “I have been fortunate to be a part of the positive change that has been happening in the city for more than a decade now. I am very happy to be collaborating on the development of this square, which is to be an essential part of the vision for the New Boulevard, to improve and design the city in the future,” he said./p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama wrote today in the social media that, “The finishing touches are being put to the project for the park at the end of New Boulevard in the capital.”

Rama shared pictures of this project in the social media, where according to him, “work will start very soon on this jewel that will serve Tirana for the next 100 years.”

The New Boulevard in the capital is near completion.

After the government of Qatar has approved the fund, the details of the project for the end park on the New Boulevard are already being completed./m.m/p.s./