Violent Protests Shake Tirana Amid Corruption Scandal Involving Deputy Prime Minister
TIRANA, Albania — Thousands of protesters clashed violently with riot police in the heart of Albania’s capital on Tuesday, as widespread outrage over a high-profile corruption scandal engulfed the government. Demonstrators called for the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku following allegations that she improperly influenced the awarding of a major infrastructure contract. The unrest marks the latest chapter in Albania’s ongoing struggle with government corruption and public distrust.
The crisis erupted after a special prosecutor indicted Balluku for allegedly favoring a particular company in the tender process for the construction of a 3.7-mile tunnel in southern Albania. The probe, conducted by the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime, led to her suspension from office in November 2025. However, Prime Minister Edi Rama challenged the suspension, taking the case to Albania’s Constitutional Court, which reinstated Balluku in December despite the ongoing investigation.
Tensions boiled over on February 10, when protesters gathered outside government buildings in Tirana, hurling Molotov cocktails and other projectiles at the prime minister’s office. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons in an effort to disperse the crowd. Videos captured by U.S. State Department observers showed the chaotic scenes, underscoring the volatility of the situation.
The opposition party, which spearheaded the call for protests, accused the government of eroding democratic institutions and enabling corruption at the highest levels. “The people demand accountability and transparency,” said an opposition leader during a rally. “Deputy Prime Minister Balluku’s actions betray the trust of the Albanian people and undermine the rule of law.”
Despite Balluku’s denial of wrongdoing, the scandal has severely damaged the government’s credibility. International watchdogs, including the Transparency International, have repeatedly highlighted Albania’s challenges with corruption, particularly within infrastructure and public procurement sectors.
The European Union, which Albania aspires to join, has also expressed concern over the allegations and the political instability they have triggered. EU officials stress the importance of judicial independence and the rule of law as prerequisites for accession talks to progress. The ongoing protests and government response are likely to factor into the EU’s assessment of Albania’s readiness.
The unrest in Tirana reflects broader regional tensions in the Balkans, where corruption scandals and governance issues frequently spark public demonstrations. The U.S. Department of State has urged all parties in Albania to pursue peaceful dialogue and respect democratic processes to resolve the crisis.
As the investigation continues, the Albanian government faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally to address corruption allegations transparently and restore public confidence. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the current administration can weather the storm or if political upheaval will reshape Albania’s leadership landscape.
For now, the streets of Tirana remain a focal point of dissent, with citizens demanding a government that upholds integrity and serves the public interest.
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