Thousands of people took to the streets in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama amid allegations of widespread corruption.

The protest was organized following a call by the main opposition Democratic Party (PD), which accused the government of systematic corruption and abuse of power. Demonstrators gathered in front of the Prime Ministry building, chanting slogans against the government and calling for early elections.

According to reports reflected in international media, tensions escalated as some protesters threw Molotov cocktails, fireworks, smoke bombs, and other objects toward the Prime Ministry and nearby government buildings. Police responded by using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Clashes also broke out near the Albanian parliament building, where security forces and protesters confronted each other. Several people were injured as a result of tear gas exposure and the ensuing violence.

The demonstrators additionally demanded the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku, who had been temporarily suspended from office last November over corruption allegations before being reinstated. Opposition figures argue that her return to office exemplifies what they describe as a lack of accountability within the government.

International news agencies, including Reuters, AP News, and Al Jazeera, reported that the protests reflect growing public anger over corruption allegations and political polarization in the Balkan country, which has faced repeated waves of anti-government demonstrations in recent years.

Despite the unrest, the Albanian government has so far rejected calls for resignation, while authorities emphasized that violence against public institutions would not be tolerated.

The situation remains tense as opposition leaders signal that further demonstrations may follow if their demands are not met. (ILKHA)