Protesters clash in Albania over Prime Minister Ramas resignation demands

Tensions Rise in Tirana as Demonstrators Confront Authorities

A series of violent clashes erupted near the parliament building in Tirana on Friday, as thousands of protesters gathered to demand accountability in a corruption investigation linked to Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. The demonstrations, which began after Balluku’s indictment by a special prosecution unit in December, have been ongoing since then.

According to eyewitnesses, police responded with tear gas and water cannon, while protesters hurled Molotov cocktails and fireworks at the prime minister’s office before marching towards parliament. Fierce clashes lasted for approximately two hours in the streets surrounding the legislature.

Police reported that about 30 people were arrested during the incident, while the opposition Democratic Party claimed around 40 of its supporters had been detained. The protests have broken out on several occasions since Balluku’s indictment, with opposition leader Sali Berisha stating that the country is “plunged into poverty and corruption” under Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Interior Minister Albana Kociu condemned the unrest, labeling it as “vandalism” and a “crime” to attack police. The Socialist Party, led by Rama, holds a majority in parliament after winning a fourth consecutive term last year. Albania aims to join the European Union by 2030, with politics characterized by a long-standing rivalry between left and right-wing parties.

The situation remains volatile, with protesters continuing to demand accountability for corruption allegations against Balluku and other government officials.

Source: Al Jazeera