Tirana erupts in violent protests over PM's resignation

Albania's capital Tirana witnessed violent clashes between police and opposition protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Thousands of demonstrators, organized by the country's right-wing opposition, took to the streets, escalating tensions in a display of civil disobedience.

The protesters, accusing Rama's government of corruption, nepotism, and attempting to silence the opposition, called for his resignation and the installation of a caretaker government until next year's general election. They also demanded the release of opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, who is under house arrest on corruption charges, and opposition MP Ervin Salianji, recently jailed for making a false report.

The demonstration quickly turned violent as protesters hurl petrol bombs and stones at government buildings, including the headquarters of Rama's Socialist Party, the interior ministry, and the city hall. They also damaged advertising screens, billboards, and set fire to rubbish containers and a bus station.

In response, more than 1,000 police officers were deployed across Tirana. They used teargas to disperse the crowd as it moved towards the parliament. According to police statements, at least 10 officers were injured by petrol bombs and other thrown objects.

Flamur Noka, an official of the Democratic Party, described the protest as "the first step towards civil disobedience" and vowed to continue until Rama resigns and a caretaker government is formed. The demonstration follows a recent incident where opposition lawmakers threw and burned their chairs outside the parliament in protest of Salianji's conviction.

The opposition views recent legal actions against its members, including Berisha's house arrest and Salianji's conviction, as politically motivated moves by Rama's government. Berisha, a former prime minister, had earlier called the protests the battle of our lives.