The current protests reflect frustration with a clientelist system that rewards party loyalty over merit and uses the public administration to distribute privileges and resources to supporters.

In confronting an unprecedented wave of anti-government protests, Albania’s prime minister is trying to discredit those taking part and deflect attention from their legitimate grievances. The strategy may yet backfire.

The Democratic Party has barred all rivals to Sali Berisha from its leadership contest this week – cementing his grip on the party but also, critics warn, undermining its credibility.

For the first time in years, the governing Socialist Party is being savaged from within as Elisa Spiropali – a once close ally of Prime Minister Edi Rama – attacks his ‘heartless machine’.