The fourth national protest organized by the Partia Demokratike (Democratic Party of Albania) took place this Friday in the capital, escalating into violent clashes between protesters and police forces near key state institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office and the Parliament building.
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| During the protest in Tirana, February 20, 2026 |
The demonstration, initially announced as a peaceful national mobilization against the government, quickly turned tense when a group of protesters allegedly threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks toward police officers and institutional buildings near the Kryeministria e Shqipërisë and the Kuvendi i Shqipërisë.
Molotov Cocktails and Police Response
According to preliminary reports from authorities, several protesters launched improvised incendiary devices and pyrotechnics in the direction of law enforcement personnel guarding the institutions. The attacks prompted an immediate response from police forces.
Security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and stun grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd and regain control of the area. Witnesses described chaotic scenes in central Tirana, with smoke filling the streets and protesters retreating as law enforcement advanced.
Officials have not yet released a final report on injuries, but early accounts suggest that minor injuries were recorded on both sides.
More Than 30 Protesters Detained
Police sources confirmed that more than 30 individuals were escorted to police stations following the unrest. The detained individuals are suspected of attacking police officers and state institutions with fireworks and Molotov cocktails.
The arrests have added another layer of political tension to an already polarized atmosphere in Albania. Supporters of the opposition argue that the protest was largely peaceful and that only a small group was responsible for the violence, while authorities insist that attacks on public institutions and law enforcement cannot be tolerated.
PD MPs Arrive at Police Station No. 1
In a move that underscores the political sensitivity of the situation, several Democratic Party MPs arrived at Komisariati i Policisë Nr. 1 in Tirana, where some of the detained protesters are being held.
Footage broadcast by Euronews Albania showed Democratic Party deputies entering the police station premises late in the evening. Their presence signals direct political involvement in monitoring the treatment and legal status of the detained demonstrators.
According to claims made by the Democratic Party, two of the detained protesters were allegedly subjected to physical violence by police officers and are reportedly being denied immediate hospital treatment.
These allegations have not yet been independently verified by official police statements. Authorities have so far maintained that all procedures are being conducted in accordance with the law.
Political Accusations Intensify
The protest marks the fourth large-scale mobilization organized by the Democratic Party in recent months. The opposition has accused the government of corruption, economic mismanagement, and undermining democratic institutions. Meanwhile, the ruling majority has characterized the protests as politically motivated attempts to destabilize the country.
Friday’s events risk deepening divisions between the government and opposition, particularly if claims of police misconduct gain further traction. The presence of elected MPs at the police station highlights the seriousness of the accusations and the growing mistrust between political actors and law enforcement institutions.
Political analysts note that such confrontations may influence Albania’s broader political climate, especially as the country continues its path toward European integration and institutional reform. Public order, political dialogue, and the protection of civil rights remain central concerns in this context.
Security and Public Order in Focus
The clashes near the Prime Minister’s Office and Parliament have renewed debate over the balance between the right to protest and the responsibility to maintain public order. While peaceful protest is guaranteed under Albanian law, attacks involving Molotov cocktails and fireworks raise serious security concerns.
Authorities are expected to conduct investigations to determine individual responsibilities for the violent acts. Surveillance footage, media recordings, and police body cameras will likely play a crucial role in clarifying events.
For now, Tirana remains under heightened security measures following the unrest.
Legal proceedings for the detained protesters are expected to unfold in the coming days. The Democratic Party has signaled that it will closely monitor the situation and may escalate political action if allegations of abuse are confirmed.
At the same time, law enforcement agencies are likely to reinforce security protocols ahead of any future protests.
As Albania navigates this new wave of political tension, the events of this fourth national protest may serve as a turning point in the relationship between opposition forces, state institutions, and public trust.