Anti-government protests have continued in the streets of Albania’s capital, Tirana. The evening of 10th February saw violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police forces – with protestors throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails towards governmental buildings.
The protests were called by right-wing former Prime Minister, Sali Berisha, who has historically been the political opposition rival of incumbent center-left Prime Minister Edi Rama. Another demonstration occurred on 24th January in which Berisha was in amongst his supporters.
Leader of the Democratic party Sali Berisha waves to his supporters during an electoral rally in Belsh, Albania, May 1, 2025. REUTERS/Florion Goga
These protests have risen in response to allegations of corruption of the incumbent government. On 6th February, the Constitutional Court ruled to suspend Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku from her duties due to her alleged role in a corruption scandal involving the awarding of government contracts.
Berisha himself has also been accused of similar illegal awarding of government contracts, but this is something he categorically denies.
The Albanian Minister of Internal Affairs, Albana Koçiu, has condemned the protestors that started the violence as belonging to “organized crime”.
This is not expected to be the last of such protests. Berisha has already called for another protest on 20th February.
Police members operate during an anti-government protest, triggered by a corruption investigation into Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, in front of the Prime Minister’s office in Tirana, Albania, February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga
