Thousands of protesters in Kosovo have gathered in the capital, Pristina, for a demonstration against alleged government corruption and embezzlement of public funds.

The demonstrators marched through downtown Pristina Wednesday, carrying banners and chanting “thieves.” The protest was organized by the opposition, which blames the government for the poor economic situation in Kosovo.

Opposition leader Albin Kurti addressed the crowd, accusing Prime Minister Hashim Thaci's government of rigging public tenders and selling off public enterprises. The government has denied such accusations in the past.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The majority ethnic Albanian country is one of the poorest in Europe with an unemployment rate of more than 40 percent. It also has one of the continent's youngest populations.