Violent protests erupt in Albania over deputy PM corruption allegations PHOTO

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators clashed with police in Albania's capital, Tirana, on the evening of February 10, demanding the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku over alleged corruption.

Protesters threw petrol bombs at a government building, while police responded with water cannon, marking the latest in a series of violent demonstrations that threaten the stability of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s administration, which has been in power since 2013, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Tensions have intensified since December when a special prosecution unit charged Balluku with allegedly manipulating public tenders for major infrastructure projects and favouring specific companies, accusations she denies.

Crowds at Tirana’s main square waved flags and held banners while chanting slogans such as “Rama go home, this corrupted government should resign,” as riot police protected the government building.

The Special Prosecution Office, responsible for tackling corruption and organised crime, has called on parliament to lift Balluku’s immunity this week to allow her arrest.

It remains uncertain when, or if, the parliament—where Rama’s party holds a majority—will vote on the request.

By Jeyhun Aghazada