Tens of thousands of protesters in the Macedonian capital Skopje are demanding the resignation of long-serving Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. The rally follows the release by the Opposition of covert recordings which appear to show Ministers plotting vote-rigging and the cover-up of a murder. Gruevski denies the allegations.
Adding to the political instability, last weekend eight police officers and 14 ethnic Albanian fighters were killed in clashes in the city of Kumanovo.
Crowds have gathered outside the prime minister’s office in central Skopje. Demonstrators are carrying both Albanian and Macedonian flags in a show of unity. Police in riot gear are stationed near the protests.
In 2001, Macedonia came close to the brink of civil war when armed rebels demanded greater rights for the Albanian minority, which makes up about a quarter of Macedonia’s 2.1 million population. The Government says the Opposition is trying to destabilise the country for its own benefit. It is organising a counter-demonstration for Monday.