Anti-government protests in Tirana enter fifth day as demonstrators demand Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and police use tear gas and water cannon

Anti-government protests in Albania’s capital continued for a fifth consecutive day on Saturday, with demonstrators throwing rocks, petrol bombs and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon.

Protesters are calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign over corruption allegations; many are also demanding an end to the entire political establishment. Hundreds have been arrested or investigated, and dozens have been injured.

Rama, who has ruled for 13 years, blamed the unrest on the opposition and unnamed foreign actors whom he said were seeking to derail Albania’s ambitions to join the European Union. Meanwhile, corruption investigations involving senior officials and Rama’s associates are increasing pressure on his government.