Clashes at a Saturday rally in Tirana injured more than 300 protesters and police, Albanian authorities said, as demonstrators demanded better education support and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Authorities also reported dozens of demonstrators arrested and attacks on several government buildings. Al Jazeera reported that the turnout reached thousands after organizers appealed for students and others across Albania to join.
Al Jazeera reported that police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Some demonstrators threw stones and rolled burning bins at the Education Ministry, the outlet said.
The demonstrations’ latest phase emerged in mid-October amid grievances over school conditions and household expenses. Corruption concerns also featured, Al Jazeera reported. University professors, artists and opposition parties had announced support for the rally or plans to attend.
Rama urged dialogue and blamed “foreign actors” for the violence, Al Jazeera reported. He also accused Russia and Iran of spreading misinformation online. Some rally signs criticized Sali Berisha, the center-right opposition leader, as protesters voiced anger at the political class more broadly, the outlet reported.
Al Jazeera said anti-government protests have recurred since May. Around that time, reports surfaced about a luxury hotel project associated with the family of U.S. President Donald Trump. EconoTimes previously covered student demonstrations and scrutiny of police tactics in Tirana.
