Deputy PM corruption probe sparks violent protests in Albania

Police in Tirana used tear gas and water cannon on February 20 as clashes erupted with opposition protesters demanding the resignation of Albania’s government amid corruption allegations involving the deputy prime minister.

Demonstrators gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, throwing petrol bombs and fireworks toward the building, prompting security forces to disperse the crowd with tear gas and water cannon, as per foreign media reports.

The unrest marked the latest escalation in political tensions that have been building for months.

The crisis intensified in December after a special prosecution unit indicted Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku on accusations that she interfered in public tenders linked to major infrastructure projects and favoured certain companies. Balluku has denied all allegations. An anti-corruption court later suspended her from office, while the Special Prosecution Office — responsible for tackling high-level corruption — has asked parliament to lift her immunity so she can be arrested.

Thousands of supporters of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania joined the protest, waving Albanian national and party flags and chanting slogans including “Rama, go away” and “Rama in jail.” Party leader Sali Berisha addressed supporters, declaring, “Edi Rama’s days are numbered. Let them know that even if they go behind the sun, we will find them and punish them with the full force of the law.”

Rama’s ruling Socialist Party of Albania, which secured a fourth consecutive term in power last year, holds a comfortable parliamentary majority. As a result, it remains unclear whether — or when — lawmakers will agree to lift Balluku’s immunity. The deputy prime minister, who previously served as infrastructure minister, is considered a close political ally of Rama.

The prime minister has criticized what he describes as judicial overreach, particularly the use of pre-trial detention measures in corruption cases.

The unrest comes as Albania pursues its goal of joining the European Union by 2030. Brussels has repeatedly stressed that further progress in combating organized crime and corruption will be essential for the country’s accession ambitions.

By Tamilla Hasanova