Demonstrators in Tirana took to the streets, throwing Molotov cocktails at the government building housing the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The protests erupted in response to corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Baluku, prompting calls for her resignation and that of the government. These events mark a significant escalation in the political tensions that have gripped Albania in recent weeks.
The unrest follows the filing of charges by the Special Prosecution Office, which focuses on combating corruption and organized crime. Baluku has been accused of misusing state funds to favor certain companies involved in large-scale infrastructure projects. This week, prosecutors requested that parliament lift Baluku’s immunity to facilitate her arrest. The timing of the parliamentary vote remains uncertain, as Rama’s ruling party holds a majority.
During the protests on December 22, 2025, thousands of citizens gathered in the capital, responding to calls from opposition leaders. While some demonstrators clashed with police, who were equipped for riot control but did not disperse the crowds, the atmosphere was charged with frustration. One protester, Arben Sulo, expressed anger over the alleged theft of “tens and hundreds of millions of euros,” emphasizing the need for accountability.
Baluku, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure, oversees projects worth hundreds of millions of euros, including roads, bridges, and tunnels. In parliament last month, she dismissed the allegations as “slander, insinuations, half-truths, and lies,” asserting her commitment to cooperating fully with the judicial process.
The ongoing protests highlight the deepening discontent among the populace regarding government corruption. The Special Prosecution Office’s actions signal a serious commitment to addressing these issues, but the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty. As the political climate in Albania continues to evolve, the demand for transparency and accountability grows louder.
