Albanian President Ilir Meta has cancelled local elections, saying the political tensions in the country would not allow for fair elections.
Meta said he acted because "the actual circumstances do not provide necessary conditions for true, democratic, representative and all-inclusive elections" at the end of the month.
Thousands of Albanians are demanding socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama steps down, accusing him of electoral fraud and corruption.
They have called for an early general election, with leader of opposition Democratic Party Lulzim Basha urging crowds to continue protests until Rama resigns.

Four Bahrainis arrested for spying for Iranian Guard
First train to Pyongyang in six years leaves Beijing as neighbours revive link
Six vessels attacked in Gulf, Strait of Hormuz
IEA announces record oil stockpile release over Iran war supply disruptions
UN Security Council adopts resolution condemning Iran attacks on Gulf states
Oman works to contain fire at Salalah port after drones strike
Strike hits Beirut apartment block as Israel presses attacks
Six killed in Swiss bus blaze after person reportedly sets themselves on fire
