Thousands join Albania protests | BBC

[Ediacara]

Thousands join Albania protests


Protesters tried to storm the
government HQ two weeks ago

Up to 20,000 people have taken to the streets of the Albanian capital Tirana to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Fatos Nano.

Opposition leaders accuse Mr Nano of corruption, manipulating election results and failing to tackle the country's acute economic problems.

There was a tense atmosphere, with hundreds of police officers lining the streets outside government buildings.

But the rally - said to be the largest protest for seven years - was peaceful.

A similar march two weeks ago was broken up by police.

A coalition of 10 opposition parties is pressing for Mr Nano to step down and call early elections.

They accuse him of failing to improve living standards in Albania - one of Europe's poorest countries.

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