Albania protests: Rama blames unrest on 'hybrid war'

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed a "hybrid war" for fuelling unrest after a week of violent anti-government demonstrations in Tirana.

Demonstrators have repeatedly clashed with police since last Tuesday as months of protests escalated. The protests have been driven by demands for better university conditions, anger over corruption and renewed calls for Rama to resign.

Authorities said about 300 people have been injured in the clashes, more than half of them police. Police have used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while protesters have hurled stones, petrol bombs and fireworks at police.

Rama repeated earlier accusations that foreign actors were behind the violence. He had previously accused Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation.

"It is a hybrid war that gains traction precisely because it is rooted in genuine grievances, not mere fantasy," Rama said, citing the rising cost of living, housing affordability and concerns about the future.

Rama also hinted at a possible ban on social media for children under 16 and flagged changes to the age of criminal responsibility.

On Tuesday morning, hundreds of university professors marched in solidarity with demonstrators to condemn police violence against students, according to an AFP reporter. Later in the day, sporadic clashes broke out on a smaller scale than in previous days, with riot police using water cannon to stop protesters approaching government headquarters.