Albanian opposition supporters clash with police at protest demanding PM Rama’s resignation

Opposition supporters in Albania clashed with police and threw Molotov cocktails in the capital Tirana Monday, demanding that their government be replaced by a technocratic caretaker cabinet before next year’s parliamentary election.

The opposition has in the past accused Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party of corruption, voter manipulation, and usurping the powers of the country’s judiciary, among other things.

After a party member was convicted of slander and imprisoned in a case they consider politically motivated, the Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha has been holding protests outside the Albanian parliament for the last week.

A few thousand protesters gathered in front of the main government building in Tirana, shouting, “Down with the dictatorship” and “Berisha, Berisha”.

Outside the governing Socialist Party headquarters, they hurled more Molotov cocktails, burning a large advertisement featuring Rama’s image, continuing the clashes outside the interior ministry and city hall buildings.

Police used tear gas to clear them away from the parliament. 

Hundreds of police officers took up positions to protect government institutions. Traffic was reportedly blocked on many streets.

Some 10 officers were hurt by Molotov cocktails, pyrotechnic items and hard objects, according to police. 

Several protesters were taken to hospital, some with injuries caused by tear gas, local media report.

Democratic Party Secretary-General Flamur Noka ended the protest by pledging that the “civil disobedience” would continue.

Both the US and EU have urged opposition to resume dialogue with the government, saying that violence won’t help the country integrate with the 27-nation bloc.

The Democrats also seek Berisha’s release from house arrest, where he was placed during an investigation of alleged corruption. Since 2013, they have staged sometimes violent protests against the government.

Later this month, Tirana will start discussing with Brussels how the country aligns with the EU’s stances on rule of law, democratic institutions, and the fight against corruption as part of its bid to join the union.