Police in Tirana fired tear gas and water cannon at opposition protesters after demonstrations turned violent amid corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Protesters hurled petrol bombs and fireworks toward the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, as tensions escalated in the capital. The unrest follows an investigation into Balluku over alleged interference in public tenders for major infrastructure projects, accusations she has denied.

The indictment, brought by Albania’s Special Prosecution Office, has intensified political tensions that have been simmering since December. An anti-corruption court has suspended Balluku from office, and prosecutors are seeking to have parliament lift her immunity to allow her arrest. The governing Socialist Party of Albania, which holds a strong parliamentary majority after winning a fourth consecutive term, has yet to signal when or if such a move will take place.

Thousands of supporters of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania gathered in Tirana, chanting slogans against Rama and demanding his resignation. Party leader Sali Berisha warned that the government would be held accountable. The unrest comes as Albania pushes to join the European Union by 2030, with the bloc urging stronger efforts to combat corruption and organized crime.

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