Protests Erupt in Tirana Against Government
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Albania's capital, Tirana, on February 10, demanding the resignation of Vice Prime Minister Belinda Balluku over corruption allegations. What began as a peaceful rally escalated into clashes with police. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails at government buildings, while law enforcement deployed water cannons and special units to disperse the crowds.
Core Demands of the Demonstrators
The central demand of the protest was for Balluku to step down. The anti-corruption prosecutor suspects her of interfering in state tenders and favoring specific companies during major infrastructure projects. Chants also called for the resignation of the entire government and Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has held power since 2013. Albania, a NATO member and candidate for EU membership, has long faced international pressure to tackle systemic corruption.
In November 2025, Balluku denied the allegations in parliament, while the special prosecutor requested that lawmakers lift her immunity for a potential arrest. It is notable that Rama's ruling party holds a parliamentary majority. The protests reflect growing public frustration with government corruption.
This event is evidence of rising public discontent in Albania, which could lead to political changes in the country.
The demonstrations underscore that corruption remains a critical issue for Albanian society, demanding heightened attention from the state and the international community. The vice prime minister's resignation could be a significant step in combating corruption, which erodes public trust in the government and its institutions.