The PM said he was prepared for dialogue, except with those who commit violence and political parties that fail to distance themselves from it.
Around 300 people have been injured in the clashes, more than half of them police, according to the authorities.
Albanian PM Edi Rama accused protesters of crossing a “red line” Monday after a police station was set ablaze during anti-govt demonstrations. “Protests are a right, whereas violence is a crime; this red line must be drawn clearly at this critical stage of our democratic development,” Rama said. Demonstrators have clashed with police since last Tuesday as months of protests escalate, driven by fresh demands for better university conditions, anger over corruption and renewed calls for Rama’s resignation. Protesters again briefly clashed with police outside the education ministry Monday afternoon, after gathering in their hundreds from early morning. Demonstrators hurled stones at riot police, who responded with tear gas, forcing the crowd to disperse. Across the demonstrations police have regularly used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds that have targeted govt buildings and smashed stores in several parts of the city.