Protesters clashed with riot police in Albania’s capital Tirana as anti-government demonstrations escalated into violent unrest, with crowds hurling rocks and petrol bombs, smashing storefronts and setting buildings on fire.On the other side, police fired water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators , as protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama marked seven days of unrest. Protesters also targeted government buildings, banks and businesses, while fires broke out at a police station and the entrance to the interior ministry.Thousands gathered outside the education ministry over the weekend, chanting slogans against Rama and throwing rocks at riot police. The clashes later spread across the city centre, with demonstrators setting fire to litter bins and damaging the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party.Petrol bombs were also hurled at the Albania parliament amid rising violence on the streets.The unrest has been fuelled by anger over alleged corruption, poor education standards, high university fees and a lack of jobs. The demonstrations have grown into a broader anti-government movement, posing the strongest challenge yet to Rama, who has been in power since 2013 and won a fourth term last year.Howeverm, Rama rejected calls to resign, arguing that the protests threatened Albania’s ambitions to join the European Union rather than his government. He also blamed unspecified foreign interests for the unrest.The violence has left several injured. Albania’s health ministry said 28 people, including police officers, protesters, bystanders and a journalist, were injured during Sunday’s clashes. The ministry reported 65 injuries during Saturday’s demonstrations, while the cumulative toll since Tuesday had reached 272 by Sunday.Visual released by Al Jazeera also showed protesters setting the Supreme Court building on fire.The protests follow months of demonstrations against a luxury coastal development linked to US President Donald Trump’s family. The European Commission condemned the violence and called for grievances to be addressed through peaceful dialogue, while the US embassy in Tirana urged restraint.
