Albanian opposition protesters attempt to storm parliament building

The Democratic Party of former president and former prime minister of Albania, Sali Berisha, has staged a protest in front of parliament, with hundreds of people joining it.

They tried to storm the building but were driven back by police, The Associated Press reports.

Police kept out the demonstrators, who threw smoke bombs and fireworks before dispersing. No arrests or injuries were reported.

The tension followed a similar protest on February 11 which was thousands of opposition supporters took part.

The protests are being organised by the centre-right Democratic Party of former president and prime minister Sali Berisha, and the left-wing Freedom Party of former president Ilir Meta.

Inside the hall, Berisha and other lawmakers occupied the podium and blew whistles to drown out anyone else trying to speak. The speaker ended the session without discussing any of the issues on the agenda.

“The people will speak,” said Berisha after leaving the parliament hall, and pledged to continue the protests later this week.

The opposition accuses the Socialist Party of Prime Minister Edi Rama of corruption and links to organized crime and holds him responsible for the exodus of young Albanians who have left to pursue jobs in Western European countries.