Thousands of people gathered for a new anti-government protest in the Albanian capital Tirana on Saturday, with police firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.
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In the latest clashes between police and protesters since mid-October, government buildings have been attacked and dozens of protesters have been arrested. Authorities said more than 300 protesters and police officers were injured.
The protesters had responded to organizers’ calls for students and others from across Albania to attend the rally. Various groups, including university professors, artists and opposition parties, have announced their support or participation.
Supporters of the opposition Democratic Party earlier gathered outside the prime minister’s office for about an hour and a half, setting fire to pillows that Rama had placed there as a symbolic invitation to dialogue with students.
The protesters then headed to the Ministry of Education, where another student demonstration took place.
For their part, high school and university students are demanding lower tuition fees, greater state investment in education and protesting corruption in the education system. Some have joined a broader anti-government movement calling for the prime minister to resign.
Prime Minister Edi Rama issued a stern warning against violence, promising a sustained response from authorities.
“All those who glorify violence, all those who echo violence and all those who commit it must understand that just as urban terror has been intense, concentrated and prolonged, so too will the state response be prolonged and persistent,” Rama said.
Anti-government protests refuse to subside
The anti-government protests began in May, sparked by a luxury hotel project linked to US President Donald Trump’s family, which scientists say had already caused irreparable damage to a once-pristine stretch of the Albanian coast in July.
Anger over the resort development has morphed into a broader campaign against corruption, amid continued demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Rama blamed the violence on “foreign actors” and accused Russia and Iran of spreading disinformation online.
The Prime Minister also called for “dialogue”.
Protesters have distanced themselves from any political party and regularly carry signs accusing Rama and longtime opposition leader Sali Berisha of corruption.
They chanted “Rama in prison” and “Berisha in prison” on Saturday, accusing the entire political class of being responsible for the crisis.
The Prime Minister had previously published photos of around forty people, identified by their initials, whom he accused of violence, and had renewed his call for the resignation of the leaders of dozens of public institutions.
Additional sources • AFP
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