The national protest organized by the Democratic Party outside the Prime Minister’s Office turned violent on Saturday as demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks at the government building.

The protest, called in response to corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who was indicted by Albania’s Special Prosecution against Corruption Structure (SPAK), drew thousands of opposition supporters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and Balluku.

Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. After the initial clashes, protesters moved toward the Parliament building.

Balluku was temporarily reinstated by the Constitutional Court after being suspended by the Supreme Court of Appeals, pending a full review of her appeal. SPAK has requested the lifting of her parliamentary immunity to proceed with her arrest, but the decision has been postponed until Jan. 28.

Opposition leaders said the protests will continue as part of a sustained campaign against the government.