Members of Albania’s main opposition party blocked major intersections in the capital, Tirana, on Monday, calling for the establishment of a technocratic interim cabinet ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections.
During the first rally since their leader was released from house arrest, activists affiliated with the center-right Democratic Party braved cold and rain to block traffic at five key intersections in Tirana.
Protesters accused Prime Minister Edi Rama’s leftist government of corruption, election manipulation, and judicial power usurpation.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed to protect government buildings and ensure free movement on Tirana’s streets. After 90 minutes, authorities began pushing protesters away from the intersections, escalating tensions and resulting in some clashes.
