Albania protests turn violent as petrol bombs hit parliament in Tirana

Anti-government protests in Albania's capital Tirana turned violent, with demonstrators hurling rocks and petrol bombs at parliament and setting buildings ablaze, prompting police to fire water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. The unrest has left dozens injured. The protests demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has been in power since 2013 and won a fourth term last year. Anger is fueled by alleged corruption, poor education standards, high university fees, and a lack of jobs. Albania's health ministry reported 272 injuries since Tuesday, including police, protesters, and a journalist. Rama rejected calls to resign, claiming the protests threaten Albania's EU ambitions and blaming unspecified foreign interests. The European Commission condemned the violence, urging peaceful dialogue, while the US embassy in Tirana called for restraint. The demonstrations follow months of protests against a luxury coastal development linked to President Donald Trump's family.