Clashes in Albania as protesters demand PM Rama resign
Al Jazeera
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Violence erupted in Tirana, Albania’s capital, as protesters clashed with police near parliament over demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. The unrest was fueled by anger over a corruption investigation involving Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, a close ally of Rama who has been suspended since December. Clashes broke out after demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails and fireworks at the prime minister’s office, leading police to deploy tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Around 30 people were arrested, with opposition leader Sali Berisha claiming 40 of his supporters were detained. The violence lasted two hours, marking the latest in a series of protests since Balluku’s indictment.
The protest movement gained momentum following the December corruption charges against Balluku and several former ministers from Rama’s government. Opponents accuse Rama of plunging Albania into poverty and corruption, with Berisha vowing to hold those implicated accountable. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Albana Kociu condemned the protesters’ actions as “vandalism” and a “crime,” while Rama’s Socialist Party retains a strong majority in parliament.
Albania’s political landscape has long been divided between left- and right-wing factions, with both sides accusing each other of corruption and ties to organized crime. The country aims to join the European Union by 2030, but its ongoing struggles with governance have raised concerns about stability and reform progress. This latest wave of unrest highlights the deepening frustration among citizens over perceived corruption and Rama’s leadership.
The situation underscores the broader challenges Albania faces in achieving meaningful political and economic reforms. As tensions persist, the outcome of this conflict will not only shape Albania’s domestic stability but also its chances of advancing toward EU integration. The international community is closely watching whether Albania can navigate this critical juncture without further destabilization.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/21/2026