Thousands of Albanian protesters call for govt to step down

Protesters gather outside the Prime Minister's office during an anti-government rally in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, March 16, 2019. Thousands of supporters of the center-right Democratic Party-led opposition have gathered on Saturday in front of Socialist Party's Prime Minister Edi Rama to demand his resignation, a transitory Cabinet without him that will prepare fresh elections. (AP Photo/ Hektor Pustina)

Policemen line up outside the Prime Minister's office ahead of an anti-government rally in Tirana, Albania on Saturday, March 16, 2019. The center-right opposition Democratic party demands the government's resignation, accusing the Cabinet of corruption and opposition lawmakers have relinquished their seats in parliament and they have rejected calls for dialogue from Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama and from the U.S. and European Union. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Albanian opposition supporters are holding a protest against the government which they accuse of being corrupt and linked to organized crime.

Thousands of supporters of the center-right Democratic Party-led opposition have gathered on Saturday in front of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama's office to demand his resignation.

The opposition, whose lawmakers have relinquished their seats in parliament, declines to dialogue with Rama, asking for a transitory Cabinet without him to prepare early elections.

The United States and European Union have warned the opposition against using or inciting violence and to sit down for talks.

Recent rallies have turned violent, with police deploying tear gas.

Albania hopes to get the EU's approval in June on launching membership negotiations.