Protesters have allegedly tried to throw petrol bombs at a government building, resulting in injuries to multiple police officers.
In the Albanian capital of Tirana, a group of individuals gathered to protest and launched Molotov cocktails and fireworks at the office of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, as per reports from local sources. The protest, organized by the opposition Democratic Party, was a response to corruption accusations against the deputy prime minister and attracted a large crowd, according to Albanian Daily News.
According to Ora News, “several” police officers sustained injuries, and three protesters were reportedly detained. Police reportedly used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators as they moved towards the Parliament building in Tirana.
Albania has been facing a deepening political crisis since late October when anti-corruption prosecutors accused Deputy PM Belinda Balluku of interfering in significant state contracts. Allegations suggest that she manipulated public tenders to benefit specific companies involved in infrastructure projects like Tirana’s Greater Ring Road and the Llogara Tunnel. Balluku has refuted the allegations as “insinuations,” “half-truths,” and “lies.”
Despite being dismissed from her position by Albania’s Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) in November, Balluku was reinstated by the constitutional court last month, triggering widespread protests. Efforts by SPAK to lift her parliamentary immunity for potential arrest have been postponed until January 28.
Prime Minister Rama has stood by Balluku, criticizing her removal as setting a dangerous precedent and labeling the suspension as absurd. He noted to Politico that errors by the anti-corruption agency are expected due to its newness and independent authority, acknowledging that mistakes have been made.
Opposition leaders have vowed to continue anti-government demonstrations.