Albanian opposition supporters take to the streets

TIRANA: Several thousand Albanian opposition supporters have scuffled with police during a protest in central Tirana against government economic reforms that they say have increased poverty.

Dozens of protesters threw eggs, paint and flares at the main government building, and damaged the entrance to a museum of the old Communist regime that is still under construction. No injuries or arrests were reported.

Tuesday's demonstration was held on the 25th anniversary of a student protest that obliged the former communist regime to end the one-party state and allow free elections.

The conservative, main opposition Democrats accuse the Socialist government of corruption and worsening the lot of Albania's least well-off. The government has angered many by cracking down on nonpayment of household electricity bills, increasing social security contributions and hiking income tax.