TIRANA, Albania 

Thousands of Albanians took to the streets of the capital Tirana on Thursday and called on the government to resign over increases in the prices of basic food products and alleged corruption, answering a call by the main opposition Democratic Party.

The demonstrators, who came from various cities, gathered on Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard in front of the prime minister's office.

Members of non-governmental organizations, activists and students took part in the protest, which was held with the slogan "Albania is in danger.”

Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said in a speech that the future of Albania is at stake.

Berisha noted that some of the demonstrators had traveled thousands of kilometers from the US and Europe to join the Albanian liberation front.

Hundreds of police were deployed in the area as part of security measures during the protest, which lasted for several hours.

In recent months, the country has been seeing sharp increases in the prices of some food products as well as fuel.

Civil society organizations, political party representatives and citizens called on state institutions to intervene in the situation and prevent volatility in prices.

The demonstrators said they will continue their protest in the coming days.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz