Police and anti-government protesters clashed in Tirana for an eighth day, with protesters throwing petrol bombs and fireworks and police using water cannon and tear gas. Prime Minister Edi Rama called it a hybrid war, while student demands over tuition fees have merged with a broader movement.
Why it matters: Prolonged unrest challenges the government of an EU candidate country.
Protesters in Tirana threw petrol bombs and fireworks and set fire to government buildings and banks, while police used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets. Almost 300 people have been injured, more than half of them police. Demonstrators are demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over corruption allegations; Rama has blamed outside agitators.
Why it matters: Prolonged unrest in a NATO member and EU candidate has drawn concern from US lawmakers.
Student-led anti-government demonstrators clashed with riot police in Tirana for a sixth day, with police using water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets. Offices at the Supreme Court were set on fire, and protesters chanted for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Why it matters: Sustained unrest in an EU candidate country tests its stability and adds to the wave of youth protests across Europe.
Riot police clashed with protesters in Tirana for a fourth day as students demonstrated against corruption and poor university conditions, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. Rama said foreign interference was driving the unrest.