Key facts
- Protests have intensified over five consecutive days in Tirana.
- Students are boycotting university classes to fight for their rights.
- Prime Minister Edi Rama blames opposition parties and foreign actors for the unrest.
- Secret service chief Vlora Hyseni was arrested on charges of aiding a businessman.
- Businessman Ergys Agasi, a friend of Rama, denies allegations of corruption.
Demonstrators and riot police clashed in the center of Tirana on Saturday, marking the fifth consecutive day of intense protests. Masked students and other demonstrators hurled rocks and petrol bombs at police, who responded with water cannon, tear gas, and reportedly rubber bullets. The protests, which began in early June, are fueled by widespread anger over alleged corruption within Prime Minister Edi Rama's government. The focus shifted to Rama's office on Saturday, where crowds swelled significantly. The unrest has tarnished Rama's image and coincides with investigations into corruption allegations, including the arrest of former secret service chief Vlora Hyseni and businessman Ergys Agasi. Rama has blamed opposition parties and foreign actors for the unrest, while analysts suggest he has concentrated too much power, making him the sole target of public grievances.