Albania protests enter fifth day as clashes spread across Tirana and Durrës

Anti-government protests in Albania entered their fifth consecutive day on Saturday, with fresh clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Tirana and other cities. The demonstrations, led mainly by young people, have resulted in riots, fires, and property damage amid growing public anger over corruption, rising living costs, and poor public services. Clashes resumed after midday near the Ministry of Education in central Tirana, where protesters erected barricades, set fire to containers, and threw stones and firecrackers at police. Officers responded with tear gas and water cannons, while local media reported injuries and possible use of rubber bullets, though this was unconfirmed. In Durrës, police arrested 25 people, including three minors, after a march turned violent and windows were smashed at a post office. The protests began in late May over the sale of a natural park for a luxury tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, but have since expanded to broader grievances. Opposition leader Sali Berisha has urged supporters to join, though students have rejected both him and Prime Minister Edi Rama. Rama visited damaged shops, promised compensation, and blamed foreign interference, while the country remains an EU candidate.