Clashes Erupt in Albania as Protesters Demand Prime Minister Rama Quit

Post by : Saif Nasser

Protests in Albania turned violent on Friday as demonstrators clashed with police in the capital, Tirana, demanding that Edi Rama resign from office. Thousands of people took to the streets, and tensions escalated into several hours of unrest that highlighted deep political and social divisions in the country this year.

The protests were sparked by allegations of corruption involving Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, a close ally of Rama, who was indicted by a special prosecution unit in December for allegedly interfering in public construction tenders. Balluku has denied the charges, but the accusations have intensified public anger and led to strong calls for accountability from government leaders.

On Friday, large crowds of opposition supporters gathered in central Tirana and marched toward parliament and the prime minister’s office. Many held flags and chanted slogans such as “Rama, go away” and “Rama in jail,” expressing their frustration with what they see as longstanding problems with corruption and poor governance.

Violence broke out when some demonstrators launched fireworks and petrol bombs at security forces, who responded with tear gas and water cannon to try to disperse the crowd. The clashes lasted about two hours near the legislature, according to journalists on the scene. Police said around 30 people were arrested during the unrest, while opposition leaders reported even higher numbers among their supporters.

The opposition Democratic Party (Albania) has been at the forefront of the protests, demanding changes in political leadership and stronger measures against corruption. Its leader, Sali Berisha, accused Rama of causing hardship in the country, saying that Albania has suffered from poverty and corruption under his rule. Berisha vowed that opponents would pursue legal action and hold government officials accountable for perceived wrongdoing.

Government officials have condemned the violence. Albania’s Interior Minister described the actions of the protesters as “vandalism” and called attacks on police a crime. The ruling Socialist Party (Albania), which won a fourth consecutive term last year and holds a strong majority in parliament, has stood by Rama’s leadership.

Political tensions in Albania have been simmering for months. Earlier protests also turned violent, with police using force against crowds and demonstrators responding with Molotov cocktails and flares. The unrest reflects broader dissatisfaction over corruption and government transparency, long-standing issues in Albanian politics.

The protests and clashes come as Albania works toward its goal of joining the **** by 2030. The EU has repeatedly stressed the importance of strong anti-corruption measures and judicial independence as key conditions for membership. The recent unrest has drawn attention to these requirements, showing public concern about governance and rule of law.

Public demonstrations in Tirana have continued to draw attention to the frustrations many citizens feel about their political system. While some Albanians want changes that could include early elections or new leadership, others see unrest as potentially destabilizing. This debate reflects deep divisions in society about how to address corruption and political accountability.

Despite the violence, many protesters said they were committed to peaceful change and demand that leaders take action to restore trust in public institutions. The coming weeks are expected to reveal whether these protests will lead to broader changes in Albanian politics or whether the government will maintain its current course.

The conflict in the streets of Tirana shows the challenges facing democracies when people feel their voices are not being heard. How Albania navigates these tensions could shape its future political landscape and its path toward greater cooperation with Europe.