Opposition supporters and students mobilised in the Albanian capital, with riot police using water cannons on large groups of protesters. Authorities said 2,500 police officers were deployed to the streets of Tirana.
Protesters took to the streets of the Albanian capital on Saturday, with authorities deploying the use of water cannons and teargas against large groups of demonstrators, some of whom threw projectiles at police.
Supporters of the opposition Democratic Party earlier gathered outside the prime minister's office for around an hour and a half, setting fire to pillows that Rama had placed there as a symbolic invitation to dialogue with students.
The demonstrators then headed towards the Ministry of Education, where a separate student protest took place.
High school and university students are demanding lower tuition fees, greater state investment in education and protesting corruption in the education system. Some have joined a broader anti-government movement calling for the resignation of the prime minister.
Heavy police presence amid fears of unrest
A water cannon and units from Albania's Rapid Intervention Forces (FNSH) had been deployed near the Ministry of Education building following calls on social media encouraging students to join the protest.
Meanwhile, Rama has acknowledged growing public discontent, saying his government was preparing a response to the concerns expressed through the demonstrations.
"Within a matter of hours or days, we will present our overall reflection on what a significant portion of society is trying to convey," Rama said, adding that public sympathy for the protests reflects a desire for the government to become more attentive.
However, the prime minister also issued a stern warning against violence, pledging a sustained response from the authorities.
"All those who glorify violence, all those who echo violence, and all those who perpetrate violence must understand that just as the urban terror was intense, concentrated, and prolonged, so too will the response from the state be prolonged and persistent," Rama said.
His remarks came as security forces remain on alert in Tirana, as opposition supporters and students mobilised in separate demonstrations.