Tensions reached a boiling point in Albania’s capital on December 22, as thousands of supporters of the opposition Democratic Party took to the streets demanding the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The massive rally outside the Prime Minister’s office turned violent, with protesters hurling Molotov cocktails (petrol bombs) at government buildings, clashing with riot police, and resulting in injuries, including a demonstrator burned by one of the devices.
The protests were sparked by recent actions from Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which indicted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku — one of Rama’s closest allies — on charges of interfering in public procurements. Balluku faces allegations of manipulating tenders for major infrastructure projects, including the €190 million Llogara Tunnel and other road constructions. SPAK has requested parliament lift her immunity to allow arrest, but Rama’s Socialist Party majority has shown no signs of cooperating, with the Prime Minister publicly criticizing the charges as politically motivated. Balluku has dismissed the accusations as “insinuations, half-truths, and lies.”
Adding fuel to the unrest, SPAK recently raided the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), a key institution managing Albania’s digital governance and the e-Albania portal. Officials, including agency head Mirlinda Karcanaj and her deputy Hava Delibashi, were placed under house arrest over suspicions of rigging tenders and involvement in a criminal network.
Opposition leader Sali Berisha and Democratic Party figures framed the demonstrations as resistance to “state capture” and blocked justice, vowing sustained action until Rama’s government falls and early elections are called. “This is only the beginning,” said Democratic Party MP Belind Kellici.
The ruling Socialist Party holds a strong parliamentary majority, making immediate change unlikely. The case highlights ongoing debates over Albania’s anti-corruption reforms, judicial independence, and its path toward EU accession, amid accusations of graft and political interference.
Rama has not commented directly on the latest protests but has previously defended Balluku and accused critics of undermining the government. Authorities have yet to announce arrests from the violence.
