TIRANA, Albania — Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters clashed with police Saturday at an anti-government rally protesting what they claim is a corrupt and inefficient Cabinet. Protesters throwing flares and other objects broke through police ranks as they tried to enter the office of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. This year Albania, a NATO member since 2009, hopes to get the European Union’s approval to launch full membership negotiations. Fighting corruption and organized crime are some of the EU’s main priorities for Albania, which has seen corruption across the political spectrum. On his Twitter page, Rama apologized to German artist Carsten Holler, who created mushroom sculpture on the building that was damaged.

Source: National Post February 16, 2019 11:17 UTC