Violent clashes broke out in Albania's capital, Tirana, on Sunday evening during a large opposition rally demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered near the Prime Minister's Office, where the mostly peaceful protest escalated after some protesters launched fireworks, flares, and Molotov cocktails at government targets, including ministries, Tirana Municipality, and the ruling Socialist Party headquarters.

Riot police intervened with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, leading to confrontations that lasted nearly 2.5 hours. Five police officers sustained injuries, with two transported to the hospital. Opposition leader Sali Berisha, the former prime minister and Democratic Party head, was also injured during the unrest but later praised the protesters.

The opposition accused Rama's government of corruption, election fraud, and turning Albania into a 'narco-state' intertwined with criminal networks. Demonstrators called for a caretaker technical government to pave the way for early elections. Berisha framed the rally as a pivotal stand against entrenched power structures.

This marked the sixth major opposition protest in recent months, following similar violent demonstrations in January and February. Those earlier rallies also saw protesters targeting government buildings with petrol bombs amid graft allegations against senior officials, including dismissed Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.

The unrest stems from ongoing corruption probes implicating high-level figures in Rama's Socialist Party, such as former deputy prime ministers under international wanted notices or investigation for ties to drug trafficking and money laundering through construction. Parliament has blocked Balluku's arrest, fueling opposition claims of institutional capture. Albania's European Union accession progress has stalled, contrasting with neighbors like Montenegro.

The rally coincided with the anniversary of the 1992 elections, symbolizing opposition resistance to perceived threats against political pluralism. Over 1,400 police were deployed in Tirana to maintain order. No arrests were immediately reported from Sunday's clashes, though previous protests led to dozens detained.

Rama's government has reshuffled amid the scandals but maintains control ahead of his fourth term. The opposition vows to continue demonstrations until demands are met.