Albania protests turn violent as clashes spread beyond Tirana

Clashes between protesters and police broke out in Albania's capital, Tirana, on Tuesday and spread to several other cities, escalating months of anti-government demonstrations by the 'Flamingo' movement.

The new demonstrations were announced as a student movement demanding government action on high education fees, costly books and the rising cost of living. Secondary schools joined, swelling the crowds. Masked protesters threw stones at police, who responded with water cannon, tear gas and batons. Many were angered by the sight of a young man being carried away with a broken leg. Apologies were made but did not calm the situation. A floor of the education ministry was set on fire, and other government institutions were also ablaze.

The clashes spread beyond Tirana to Durrës, Shkodër, Lezhë and Vlora in the west, Gjirokastër in the south and Korçë in the east. Dozens of police have been hurt, and the unrest is being watched across Europe, as Albania is seen as one of the leading candidates for EU membership.

A new phase

Several young protesters told the BBC the violence was a new phase of the earlier movement. One woman, Livia, said five months of peaceful protest had been met with 'humiliation, ridicule, mockery'. She called that a clear message from the government that their voice would not be heard. Another protester, Brunela, said she was very terrified because the media and government were reacting, especially now, and that it was not just her voice but the voice of Albanian youth.

The Flamingo protesters say they have no links to any political party, and one of their slogans is 'Rama in jail, Berisha in jail'. Prime Minister Rama leads the government, while Sali Berisha is the main opposition leader, a former prime minister and president. It is unclear whether the student movement and the Flamingo protests are directly linked; Flamingo leaders have not said so publicly and no student representative has come forward. The earlier protests drew young and old, parents with children and sometimes grandparents, and some participants took pride in cleaning up after every night. But after months and an unusually hot summer, their numbers dwindled, with no sign the government was meeting their demands.

Blame and outside claims

Rama has toured some damaged buildings and blamed Berisha for instigating chaos. In comments on Friday, he said the violence was the work of 'the very same hand' that had burned and destroyed Albania before, describing it as a blind struggle fuelled by irrational hatred. He has ruled out resigning and promised to 'listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward'.

Berisha's Democratic Party has often tried to mobilise people to oust Rama, but its loyal supporters have been fewer than the current crowds. There is scepticism about Berisha's ability to mastermind the trouble, though he may try to capitalise on it. Albanian media have suggested foreign secret services may be involved, and unfounded allegations have been made against Serbia, with commentators suggesting Belgrade is envious of Albania's EU prospects. Rama echoed the allegation without naming names, saying 'These are foreign hands that do not wish for Albania to be at peace' and that it was no coincidence that unrest erupts when Albania receives another green light on its European path.

The Flamingo movement's main concerns relate to corruption, which the prime minister says must be investigated by the justice system.

Source: BBC World.