Another major anti-government protest by Albanian opposition parties erupted on May 11 in Tirana. The protest became violent as some protesters clashed with the police.

The opposition led by the Democratic Party has been protesting for three months against the Socialist-led government of Prime Minister Edi Rama, and is seeking early an general election and an interim government that will organise a free and democratic vote. Regular elections are due in 2021. The opposition accuses Rama of corruption, links with organised crime and bad governance.

Protesters, some of them wearing masks, clashed with the police at several locations, including the entrance of the prime minister's office and the parliament. 16 police officers and several protesters were reported as injured.

Opposition supporters threw firecrackers, Molotov cocktails and other items at the police, which in turn used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Fires were seen at many places when the protests culminated with violent behavior.

The police said on May 12 that protests were held without permission and that they arrested 50 people.

The Democratic Party decided early on May 12 to keep on protesting every day to press for the resignation of the government and a snap election.

President Ilir Meta urged protesters to avoid violence while Rama condemned the violence during the protests.

The US embassy in Tirana also denounced the violence. “Violence is inherently undemocratic, and it must stop. Protest leaders have a responsibility to encourage calm,” the embassy said in the statement.

The protests are taking place at delicate time for Albania as the country is expecting to obtain a date to launch an EU accession talks in June.