Demonstrators and riot police clashed repeatedly in central Tirana on Saturday marking the fifth straight day of unrest.

Masked protesters including many high school and university students threw rocks and petrol bombs toward officers guarding the education ministry a key protest site.

Police countered with water cannon and repeated tear gas rounds that scattered the crowds while reports indicated rubber bullets were deployed for the first time.

What started as summer demonstrations has expanded into a broad anti-government campaign demanding the prime minister step down amid corruption claims tied to his administration.

Many participants in central Tirana wore gas masks or face coverings and volunteers distributed saline eyewash syringes to ease tear gas effects drifting along the streets.

The steady blast of petrol bombs echoed through the area on Saturday.

By afternoon the protest focus moved to Prime Minister Edi Rama office along the main boulevard.

Crowds there grew larger than on earlier days.

Riot police endured constant cobblestones and fireworks then replied with repeated tear gas volleys some landing deep in the throng and sparking panic.

Angered by the gas the groups paused until it cleared then resumed their assaults.

Black smoke rose from a burning vehicle while police and ambulance sirens filled the afternoon.

As evening approached special forces reinforced the riot units.

Numerous injuries occurred on both sides with 80 people charged for disorder so far and hundreds more detained or under investigation.

The Tirana center increasingly resembles a conflict zone littered with shattered glass and charred debris.

George a 19-year-old medical student who works as an electrician to support his studies stood near the burned education ministry building with a scarf over his face and goggles shielding his eyes.

He belongs to thousands who joined the escalating protests that began in early June.

Clutching two rocks in gloved hands he prepared to confront the police.

When asked about the risk of harming officers he replied We have mothers too. We have family too.

We stayed peaceful for 135 days. Now we aim to follow the example in France and launch a revolution.

Our government rejects peace so we turn to violence.

Many demonstrators were younger still. Klea 17 a first-year university student in Tirana said All the students are skipping classes and leaving school to defend our rights.

She claimed provocateurs infiltrated the crowds to damage stores and banks and undermine the movement.

Socialist Party Prime Minister Edi Rama has held power for 13 years and shaped Albanian politics much as his chief opponent Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party did for years before.

The students oppose the entire corrupt political elite and question what alternative exists.

Osman Stafa a leading journalist at News24 channel and self-described activist urged a neutral caretaker government for one year to arrange fresh elections.

The wider European community faces irony as Rama has long enjoyed EU favor while Albania seeks membership.

In a Saturday morning social media message he urged citizens not to overlook the remarkable progress achieved.

He attributed the unrest to the opposition Democratic Party and what he termed the sinister agenda of foreign actors seeking to block progress toward EU entry promised by 2030.

He avoided naming specific foreign actors.

The recent protests have damaged Rama carefully built image as a charismatic leader guiding the nation toward prosperity.

Alongside the demonstrations investigations by the special prosecution service also challenge his leadership.

Established in 2019 under EU and US influence the prosecutors recently detained powerful secret service chief Vlora Hyseni.

She faces accusations of assisting prominent businessman former official and Rama personal friend Ergys Agasi avoid justice. The 39-year-old remains in custody.

Agasi through his lawyer denied the claims and stated he had no involvement in corruption. Hyseni informed prosecutors she contacted Agasi to recruit him for intelligence services according to Albanian media.

Several outlets allege he served as a link between the prime minister and organized crime groups.

Rama acknowledged knowing Agasi but denied awareness of any illegal dealings.

Edi Rama finds himself in a difficult position said political analyst and lecturer Lutfi Dervishi. He is a victim of his own success. By consolidating so much power he has become the sole target for public grievances.

Rama Socialist Party holds a strong majority with 83 of 140 parliamentary seats. The next elections are scheduled for 2029.