Protests in the capital have begun on their 33rd day, demanding, among other things, the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The protesters initially gathered at Skanderbeg Square and then headed to the government building where the speeches were being held.
This 33rd protest comes after clashes with police forces in front of the Parliament, where a protest was held this Thursday morning, where the number of those arrested has increased to eight.
Although the incidents began when majority MPs initially entered Parliament, where they were pelted with eggs by protesters, the most violent clashes occurred after the plenary session ended and the MPs were leaving the building.
The police strategy changed when, at the main entrance to the Parliament, protesters began throwing eggs and water bottles at the vehicle of the Speaker of the Parliament, Niko Peleshi. At that moment, tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons were used to disperse the crowd in an attempt to bring the situation under control.
Protesters responded by throwing rocks and objects at officers. Not even a police vehicle was spared, its windows shattered during the clashes.
Meanwhile, following the violent incidents, the police began escorting protesters in flagrante delicto. A total of 23 people were escorted, while some protesters were also injured.
Authorities announced that 9 police officers were injured during the protest and transported to the Trauma Hospital. The situation was normalized only after the intervention of police forces and the departure of most of the protesters from the area around the Parliament.