Protesters in the Albanian capital of Tirana reportedly targeted a government building with petrol bombs, resulting in injuries to multiple police officers. The incident took place during a demonstration organized by the opposition Democratic Party in response to corruption allegations against the deputy prime minister.
According to local reports, a large crowd gathered outside the office of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, where they threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks. The protest, which drew thousands of people, turned violent as clashes erupted between the demonstrators and law enforcement authorities. Several police officers were reported injured, and three protesters were arrested during the unrest.
The political turmoil in Albania escalated following accusations of Deputy PM Belinda Balluku’s involvement in corrupt practices related to state contracts. Allegations suggest that Balluku manipulated public tenders to benefit specific companies involved in infrastructure projects like Tirana’s Greater Ring Road and the Llogara Tunnel. Despite her removal from office by Albania’s Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime in November, Balluku was reinstated by the constitutional court, triggering widespread protests.
Prime Minister Rama has voiced support for Balluku, criticizing the decision to suspend her as a dangerous precedent. He defended her against the corruption allegations, emphasizing that the anti-corruption agency, SPAK, has made mistakes due to its recent establishment. Opposition leaders have vowed to continue anti-government protests in the face of the ongoing political crisis.
