Violent anti-government protests have reportedly intensified in parts of Europe, with France and Albania witnessing unrest and damage to public property. In Albania’s capital, Tirana, demonstrators gathered near the Prime Minister’s Office demanding the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. Protesters allegedly threw stones, petrol bombs and firecrackers at police, who responded with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges. High school and college students were reportedly among those taking part. The unrest has triggered a political controversy in India after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut shared a video of the Albanian protests on social media. Raut wrote that protesters had attacked institutions because of alleged corruption and suggested that countries, particularly India, should learn lessons from the events. BJP leaders strongly criticised his post. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the Congress and the INDIA alliance of promoting disorder and threatening democratic institutions. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya also alleged that Raut was supporting anarchy, warning that Indians would not tolerate such behaviour. The controversy has intensified debate over the distinction between peaceful democratic protests and violent action against public institutions, while the BJP and opposition continue to exchange political accusations.
