Arabic version: تجمع في تيرانا ينتهي باشتباكات مع الشرطة

According to Al Jazeera, protesters clashed with police during a new antigovernment rally in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on Saturday. Police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse crowds after thousands answered organisers’ calls for students and others from across the country to attend.

Authorities said several government buildings were attacked, dozens of demonstrators were arrested, and more than 300 protesters and police officers were injured. The Ministry of Education, a focal point of the rallies, was targeted by some people in the crowd, who threw stones and rolled burning bins at the building.

The demonstration followed a significant wave of protests that began in mid-October over poor conditions in schools and the cost of living. Although protests in Tirana had calmed in recent days, Saturday’s gathering escalated again. University professors, artists and opposition parties announced support for or attendance at the rally.

Police introduced heightened security around the capital, while local media reported checks on cars heading into the city. Albania has experienced intermittent antigovernment protests since May, when news emerged of a luxury hotel project linked to United States President Donald Trump’s family.

Public anger has since broadened into demands over corruption, living costs and the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. Rama has blamed “foreign actors” for violence and accused Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation. He has called for dialogue; red cushions placed outside government headquarters as a symbolic gesture were later set on fire by protesters. Some demonstrators also held signs criticising opposition leader Sali Berisha.