The conflicts broke out when huge crowds gathered in front of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office to protest against corruption and rising costs.
Police and protesters in Albania clashed first Prime Minister Edi RamaHis office was in Tirana after tens of thousands of people gathered there to protest against corruption and the country’s cost of living crisis.
After peacefully protesting for about three hours, protesters broke down police barriers around Rama’s office on Saturday and sprayed red and black paint on the main doors of the government building.
Police arrested a protester.
Others lit candles in memory of two opposition men who died in police custody.
Albania has seen an 8% price hike this year, especially for basic food and fuel, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Rama said his Cabinet has kept inflation low compared to double-digit inflation elsewhere in Europe, and noted that the government subsidizes electricity for homes and small businesses.
Opposition supporters also blame Rama for thousands of young people leaving the country each year in search of a better life.
“Just like 32 years ago, the world sees us as people [arriving in] small boats,” said Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, referring to More and more Albanians are coming to the UK.
The protest is seen in Albania as an attempt by Berisha to flaunt her muscles ahead of local elections in May 2023.
Berisha, who previously served as president and prime minister, was barred from entering the United States in 2021 over allegations of corruption.
He denies any wrongdoing.
