Yesterday, violent clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces in the Albanian capital Tirana. Thousands of supporters of opposition leader Sali Berisha gathered in front of the seat of government to protest against the policies of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.

According to the AFP news agency, the situation escalated when demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails at the police. The police responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Call for new elections

Sali Berisha, leader of the right-wing Democratic Party, called on the crowd to overthrow the government and install a government of experts. This government would then prepare for early, free, and fair elections. After his speech, the demonstrators marched towards the parliament, where clashes broke out again. Stones and Molotov cocktails were thrown at police lines, and security forces again used tear gas.

Injuries and arrests

According to police, at least ten officers were slightly injured. Berisha said that 25 protesters had been arrested. He described the protests as “the final stage before the end of Edi Rama’s government” and announced that he would continue to increase political pressure.

Political tensions in Albania

For years, the political landscape in Albania has been marked by fierce clashes between the right and left wings. Both sides regularly accuse each other of corruption and links to organized crime. Berisha himself has also come under criticism: he is accused of awarding public contracts to confidants, which he vehemently denies.

The protests highlight the ongoing tensions in Albania, a country facing internal political challenges on its path to European Union membership.

Credits: APA