Violent clashes have continued for a fourth consecutive day in Albania's capital, Tirana, as thousands of student-led demonstrators take to the streets to demand government accountability, comprehensive reforms, and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over worsening economic and educational conditions.

In a video address, Rama dismissed the protests as being orchestrated by "foreign hands" that allegedly harbor malicious intent toward the nation's stability. The European regime leader asserted that the demonstrations bear no relation to the legitimate grievances or aspirations of the youth, despite widespread public anger over corruption scandals and declining living standards.

Security forces deployed water cannons and tear gas as demonstrators hurled rocks, bricks, and concrete blocks at the education ministry and other state institutions. The unrest has quickly spread beyond Tirana to regional hubs such as Elbasan, Shkodra, and Korca, resulting in arson attacks on government offices and commercial banks, with police reporting over 160 detentions.

The ongoing crisis stems from months of mounting public discontent, initially triggered by controversial coastal development deals linked to US political circles. While protesters demand a complete political overhaul, Rama has flatly rejected calls to resign, arguing that his departure would allegedly betray the country's controversial pursuit of European Union membership.

Source: www.aljazeera.com