Corruption Case Sparks Street Clashes and Political Showdown in Albania

Protests in Tirana intensified as police used tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation amid corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku; SPAK has indicted her for allegedly manipulating public tenders tied to major infrastructure projects, resulting in a court-ordered suspension while parliament considers an arrest request. The case has sparked controversy over proposed procedural changes that could shield top officials from suspension and heightened scrutiny of Albania’s opaque procurement practices as it seeks closer EU ties.