Albanian opposition supporters clash with police during a protest against Prime Minister Rama’s resignation

Opposition supporters in Albania clashed with police and threw Molotov cocktails in the capital Tirana on Monday. They called for their government to be replaced by a technocratic caretaker cabinet ahead of next year’s general election.

The opposition has in the past accused Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party of corruption, voter manipulation and usurping the powers of the country’s judiciary, among other things.

Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s Democratic Party has been staging protests outside the Albanian parliament since last week after a party member was convicted of defamation and jailed in what they say was a politically motivated case.

A few thousand demonstrators gathered in front of the main government building in Tirana, chanting “Down with the dictatorship” and “Berisha, Berisha.”

They threw more Molotov cocktails outside the ruling Socialist Party headquarters, burned a large advertisement with Rama’s picture and continued clashes in front of the Interior Ministry and City Hall buildings.

Police used tear gas to disperse them from parliament.

Hundreds of police officers were deployed to protect state institutions. There were reportedly traffic delays on many roads.

According to police, about ten officers were injured by Molotov cocktails, pyrotechnic items and hard objects.

Several protesters were hospitalized, some with injuries caused by tear gas, local media reported.

Democratic Party Secretary General Flamur Noka ended the protest by pledging that “civil disobedience” would continue.

Both the US and EU have called on the opposition to resume dialogue with the government, saying violence will not help the country integrate into the 27-nation bloc.

Democrats are also calling for Berisha’s release from house arrest, where he was placed during an investigation into corruption allegations. There have been sometimes violent protests against the government since 2013.

Later this month, as part of its accession efforts, Tirana will discuss with Brussels how it aligns with EU positions on the rule of law, democratic institutions and the fight against corruption.