The jailed Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, accused Prime Minister Edi Rama had demanded his resignation as relation between two old political friends further deteriorate.

Thousands of people joined student-led protests in Tirana at the weekend to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, as clashes with police resulted in more injuries and arrests.

As Prime Minister Edi Rama rules out resignation in response to violent protests, a political solution is needed to calm the unrest, experts argue.

Albania’s government plans to cut the number of municipalities from 61 to 46, but critics fear it will only further isolate rural communities from public services and undermine environmental protections.

Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities having shrinking, elderly communities.

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’.