Albanian Evangelicals Call Churches to Prayer as Protests Turn Violent in Tirana

TIRANA, Albania —

The Evangelical Alliance of Albania, known as VUSH, is asking churches to pray as anti-government protests in the capital, Tirana, have grown violent, Christian Daily International reported, republishing a report from Evangelical Focus.

In a statement issued Oct. 15, the alliance condemned violence “by protesters against institutions and businesses” and also “the disproportionate use of police force against citizens.” Protests took place in Tirana again on Oct. 16, and the European Baptist Federation posted a call for prayer the same day.

“In these days of protests and tension, the Word of God first calls us to become people of prayer,” said Alesio Sema, the alliance's general secretary. He added that “there is power when we come together in prayer.”

A second VUSH statement, released Sunday, Oct. 18, said “violence is not the solution” and that no political interest should be placed above peace and the common good. The alliance pointed believers to 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Jeremiah 29:7.

According to the report, the protests began in June 2026 over plans for a tourist complex in a flamingo nature reserve. Students joined in September over tuition fees and conditions in schools. Prime Minister Edi Rama, a Social Democrat, has led the country since 2013.

Albania's evangelical movement is young. The country left communism 35 years ago, and about 300 local evangelical churches have been planted since then, the report said.

About a week before the article was published, Albania hosted the “Hope for Europe” gathering, which drew 250 representatives from 32 countries.