Rama has been touring some of the damaged buildings and blaming Sali Berisha for instigating chaos.

“All of this is the work of the very same hand – the hand that has gripped the Albanian opposition by the throat, the hand that has burned and destroyed Albania more than once, and is now prepared to burn and destroy it again to prevent any progress. It is a blind struggle, fuelled by the most irrational hatred,” he said on Friday.

The prime minister has ruled out resigning, promising to “listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward”.

Berisha’s Democratic Party has often tried to get people out to oust Rama.

But the number of his loyal supporters, who have also protested for months and at times clashed with police, has been low in comparison to the current attendance.

So there is some scepticism about Berisha’s ability to mastermind the trouble, though he may well seek to capitalise on it.

On the other hand, the Albanian media have suggested that secret services of foreign countries may be involved.

Unfounded allegations have been made against Serbia, with commentators suggesting Belgrade is envious of Albania being often cited as potentially next in line to join the EU.

Indeed, without mentioning names, Prime Minister Rama echoed the allegation on Friday.

“These are foreign hands that do not wish for Albania to be at peace… they do not want Albania to be part of the united European family,” he said, adding: “Do you think it is a coincidence that every time Albania receives another green light… or draws closer to that great ambition – that historic objective – flames suddenly erupt? It is no coincidence at all! None of what is happening now is a coincidence.”