Anti-government protesters clash with police in Tirana for fifth day running
Violent anti-government protests continued in Tirana, Albania, on Saturday, with demonstrators throwing rocks and petrol bombs at police. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama amid corruption allegations linked to his administration.
Demonstrators and riot police clashed in the centre of Tirana, the capital of Albania, on Saturday for the fifth consecutive day. The protests began in the summer and have grown into a broader anti-government movement calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down over corruption allegations linked to his administration.
Masked protesters, many of them high school and university students, threw rocks and petrol bombs at officers defending the education ministry, one of the focal points of the unrest. Police responded with water cannon and tear gas. There were also reports that rubber bullets were used for the first time.
In the afternoon the focus moved to Rama's office on the city's main boulevard, where the crowds were far larger than on previous days. A vehicle was set on fire, and by dusk police special forces had arrived to reinforce the riot police. Many people have been injured on both sides. So far 80 people have been charged with disorder, and hundreds more have been arrested or are under investigation.
Voices from the street and the government
George, a 19-year-old medical student, said protesters had been peaceful for 135 days but were now using violence because the government did not want peace. Klea, 17, a first-year university student, said students were boycotting classes, and alleged that provocateurs among the crowds were smashing shops and banks to discredit the demonstrations.
Rama, leader of the Socialist Party, has been in power for 13 years. On Saturday morning he blamed the opposition Democratic Party and unnamed foreign actors he said wanted to halt Albania's progress towards European Union membership, which he has promised by 2030.
Investigations
Separately, a special prosecution service, set up in 2019 under EU and US pressure, has arrested secret service chief Vlora Hyseni. She is accused of helping Ergys Agasi, a businessman, former government official and personal friend of Rama, evade justice. Agasi denies the allegations. Rama acknowledges knowing him but denies any knowledge of illegal transactions.
The Socialist Party holds 83 of 140 seats in parliament, and the next parliamentary elections are due in 2029.
