Albanian police fire tear gas as anti-government student protests turn violent
Police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets as thousands of anti-government protesters clashed with officers and dozens were detained, authorities said.
- On Saturday, thousands gathered in Tirana for anti-government protests, with demonstrators hurling stones at government buildings as riot police responded with water cannons and tear gas.
- Anti-Government protests began in May, sparked by a luxury hotel project linked to President Donald Trump's family, and have morphed into a broader push against corruption demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.
- "We want to stay in our country," Rosela Mira told AFP, reflecting widespread frustration. More than 1.5 million people have left the Balkan nation since the fall of Communism, leaving a population of 2.3 million.
- Prime Minister Edi Rama called for "dialogue," yet protesters burned a symbolic table outside government buildings on Saturday. Rama blamed "foreign actors" for violence, accusing Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation.
- More than 300 protesters and police have been injured during recent clashes, authorities say. Albania ranks 91st among 182 countries on watchdog Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, fueling the anger.
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156 Articles
Comparing the demonstrations in Albania to those that shake France or Belgium is to ignore a profoundly different reality. It is to minimize years of suffering, disillusionment and anger of a people who feel that they are no longer being heard. ...
The government increasingly besieged by the demonstrations that degenerated on Saturday in one of the most violent street clashes in the Albanian capital. The demand is for political change, a better school, fight against corruption and dear life
In the demonstrations in Tirana, the students denounce a country without prospects and demand the departure of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Their anger overflows the government to also target the opposition figures.
Publications share the video blocking an ambulance as if it were Barcelona but the scene occurred in Tirana, Albania.
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