The main opposition force in Albania - the Democratic Party, and its allies organized a third consecutive nationwide protest in the capital Tirana last night demanding the resignation of the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama, ATA reported.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of the Democratic Party headquarters, then marched along a central boulevard to the office of the socialist prime minister. Longtime right-wing leader Sali Berisha, a former president and prime minister, led the demonstration along with other opposition leaders.
The Democratic Party and its allies are demanding the resignation of the government, the formation of a transitional cabinet and the holding of free elections.
The protest resulted in clashes, Agence France-Presse reported.
The police reported 16 injured officers and 13 detained demonstrators.
Over 1,000 law enforcement officers were involved in the security of the protest, as reported yesterday by the "Euronews Albania" television station.
From a podium in front of the 61-year-old prime minister's office, opposition representatives addressed the crowd, outlining their political positions and demands.
The Albanian government "is nearing its end," assured the deputy chairman of the Democratic Party, Agron Xekmarchaj, and accused it of undermining free elections and turning the state into an instrument of power.
Xekmarchaj also accused Rama's cabinet of sacrificing the country's European future in the name of their own interests.
The opposition representative also criticized widespread corruption in Albania, saying that the protest aims to defend pluralism, the rule of law and the future of the country.
In its report on the perception of corruption last year, released yesterday, the non-governmental organization "Transparency International" ("Transparency Without Borders") awarded Albania 39 points, which places it in 91st place out of a total of 182 countries and territories included in the index.
The Albanian opposition also organized a large protest on January 24, which was marked by tension and clashes. At that time, 11 police officers were injured and 18 people were arrested. Due to the situation that arose, the gathered crowd was dispersed with water cannons and tear gas by the security forces.
Berisha, 81, called a new demonstration on February 20, AFP notes.