International media, including the British Daily Mail and Al Jazeera, have paid attention to the opposition protest held in Tirana, where the rally was accompanied by tensions and clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
According to international reports, thousands of citizens gathered in the center of the capital to demand the resignation of the government led by Prime Minister Edi Rama. During the protest, incidents were recorded, where some of the demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails, fireworks and other objects towards the police and state buildings. In response, the security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
The clashes also spread near the Parliament building, while at least 16 people were injured in the incidents and around 13 protesters were arrested.
The protest took place in a tense political climate, as the government faces corruption allegations, including that of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku. The opposition has called for her and Prime Minister Rama's resignation, while similar rallies have been held in recent months.
Opposition leader Sali Berisha has described the protest as a "peaceful uprising," while political analysts estimate that the political situation in the country remains polarized and that the protests may not bring immediate political changes.
Albania continues its integration process into the European Union and aims to close negotiations by 2027, although corruption remains one of the main challenges identified by international partners.
In its reporting, Al Jazeera highlights the use of tear gas and water cannon against protesters, as well as clashes that occurred near key state institutions during the demonstration in Tirana.
