Anti-government protests in Albania have entered their seventh consecutive day, as clashes in Tirana deepen the country’s political crisis and intensify calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.

Axar.az reports, citing Tirana Times, that the demonstrations, led by students and civic groups, have spread from the capital to Shkodra, Durres and Korca.

Protesters have raised concerns over corruption, alleged state capture, education costs, limited employment opportunities and the influence of powerful business interests. Police have used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators, while allegations of beatings and arbitrary detentions have fuelled further anger.

The unrest in Tirana began on October 13 with a student protest outside Albania’s Ministry of Education. Demonstrators are demanding Rama’s resignation. Sali Berisha, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Albania, has expressed his support for the protests.

Rama has rejected calls for his resignation, accusing Russia and Iran of fuelling the unrest through fake social media accounts, although he has not publicly presented evidence that they organised the protests. He has announced bonuses of 2,500 euros for police officers confronting demonstrators and threatened financial penalties against students involved in violence.