Skanderbeg Square in Tirana disappeared into smoke, colored flares and explosions on the night of October 24, as anti-government protesters clashed with police. The student protest began that afternoon outside the Ministry of Education, then moved to the square and the Prime Minister's Office. Reports say masked protesters threw stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at officers and water-cannon vehicles, and police answered with water cannons and tear gas. Authorities said about 2,500 police officers were deployed in the capital. The Health Ministry said 13 people sought medical treatment that day, including protesters, police officers and two journalists.

The unrest has been building for weeks and sharply intensified in mid-October, as protesters demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over corruption and problems in education. Rama, who is serving his fourth term, has refused to step down and has accused the violent protesters of trying to destabilize the country. Health Ministry figures reported locally put the number of injured since the protests began at more than 300, including about 190 police officers. Police have also used rubber bullets, and seven officers were suspended over allegations of excessive force, while rights groups have documented alleged incidents of police violence. Many of the demonstrations began as student-led gatherings before smaller groups turned to violence, so the big questions now are how far the unrest will go, who is driving the escalation, and whether any side is ready to compromise.