Riots in Tirana enter a fifth day as Albania's anti-government protests escalate

Clashes broke out near the Albanian prime minister’s office in the capital, Tirana, on Saturday as anti-government riots entered a fifth day.

Protesters hurled rocks, petrol bombs, flares and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas, water cannon and baton charges as clashes spread through the city center.

The violence escalated after high school and university students joined a broader anti-government movement calling for Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.

Police said 167 people had been arrested and 132 officers injured during the unrest.

“For five days, the national police have been facing acts of violence during rallies, where masked and violent individuals have attacked police officers and public institutions for long hours, damaging public and private property,” National Police Chief Skender Hita said.

Seven police officers have been suspended pending investigations into allegations of “exceeding their duties,” Hita said.

The latest protests follow months of rallies in Tirana organized by the so-called Flamingo movement. The movement was launched in opposition to a major luxury tourism development on Albania’s southern coast linked to an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

As night fell, police clashed with protesters in central Tirana, clearing streets littered with rocks as tear gas and smoke from burning trash bins filled the air. Youths set cars on fire, attacked government offices and pushed against police cordons, often forcing officers to retreat.

Rama, who has held office since 2013 and is serving his fourth term, has ruled out resigning. He accused his conservative opponents of inciting the clashes.

“I will not allow anyone to jeopardize the future of this country … not for the political gain of those who use their wicked hand to create disorder and destruction,” Rama said in a video message.

“My responsibility is clear in these difficult hours: to protect our citizens, guarantee justice and move Albania forward,” he said.

Gatopoulos reported from Athens, Greece

Protesters throw rocks at police during an anti-government demonstration outside the Education Ministry, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)

A protester waves an Albanian flag during an anti-government demonstration outside the Education Ministry, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)

Protesters stand behind burning garbage cans during an anti-government demonstration outside the Education Ministry, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)

A device explodes during an anti-government demonstration outside the Education Ministry, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)

Protesters run from water sprayed by police water cannons during an anti-government demonstration outside the Education Ministry, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)

NEW YORK (AP) — Ty Kartye scored the go-ahead goal, Dylan Garand made 23 saves and the New York Rangers rallied to beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Thursday night.

After Rangers forward Pavel Dorofeyev beat goalie Joseph Woll on a power-play to tie it, Kartye put the Rangers ahead with 4:39 left with his fifth goal.

Gabe Perreault also scored for the Rangers, who won their second straight after a four-game losing streak. Adam Fox had two assists.

Noel Acciari and Simon Benoit scored for Philadelphia. The Flyers are 4-10-4.

Perreault opened the scoring with his fifth goal at 4:39 of the first, his first goal since Oct. 19.

Benoit tied it with 9:50 to go in the second before Acciari put the visitors ahead with 7:51 left in the period.

Dorofeyev, who signed a seven-year, $77 million contract to essentially replace high-scoring forward Artemi Panarin, snapped his fifth goal past Woll with 6:08 left.

Kartye, a waiver wire pickup from Seattle late last season, then put the Rangers ahead to electrify the home crowd.

Garand improved to 6-6-1 this season. The 24-year-old netminder has started all but one game since Igor Shesterkin was injured on Oct. 9 and declared out for the season the next day.

Woll made 24 saves,

Rangers: At Seattle on Saturday.

Flyers: At Calgary on Sunday.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Simon Benoit, center, is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

New York Rangers center J.T. Miller (10) controls the puck past Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Oliver Bonk (59) in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Joseph Woll, left, stops a shot by New York Rangers center J.T. Miller (10) in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) battles for the puck with Philadelphia Flyers right wing Tyson Foerster (71) and Noah Cates (27) in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

New York Rangers center J.T. Miller (10) is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, in New York. The goal was late credited to Gabe Perreault (94). (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) ADDITION: The goal was later credited to Gabe Perreault (94),