European protests spread from Tirana to Rome and Madrid

A wave of demonstrations is sweeping across European cities on Saturday, with police in Albania's capital Tirana again using tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets against violent protesters. Thousands gathered for a new anti-government rally demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over corruption and poor conditions. In Tirana, stones were thrown at the education ministry, prompting an immediate police response. In Madrid, around 25,000 people marched peacefully over pension system concerns, with protesters carrying signs reading "protect and guarantee our pensions." Italy has also seen major protests against high living costs, with high police presence in Rome and Milan. Italian authorities have deployed thousands of police and soldiers, plus drones, to monitor unrest in Rome and Milan, where last week's clashes involved looting and fires. Further protests are expected in Bologna, Genoa, Turin, and Florence.