Violent clashes broke out in the Albanian capital on Friday as thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, amid mounting anger over corruption allegations within the government.
Demonstrators confronted police near key government buildings in Tirana, with security forces firing tear gas and using water cannons to disperse the crowds. Several people were reported arrested during the unrest.
The protests were triggered by corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, a close ally of Rama, who has been accused of interfering in public procurement contracts. Balluku has denied the allegations but was suspended from office as prosecutors pursue the case.
Many of the protesters are supporters of the opposition Democratic Party, led by former prime minister Sali Berisha, who has repeatedly accused the government of widespread corruption and called for Rama to step down.
The political turmoil comes at a sensitive time for Albania, which is seeking to advance its bid for membership in the European Union. EU officials have stressed that strengthening the rule of law and tackling corruption are key conditions for accession.
Despite the unrest, Rama’s ruling Socialist Party maintains a strong majority in parliament, while authorities insist that the legal process against Balluku should be allowed to proceed without political interference.
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