Demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails and pyrotechnics towards the government building and Prime Minister Edi Ram’s office, while police responded with crowd-dispersal devices. Thousands of supporters of the Democratic Party of Albania shouted messages against the prime minister, carrying state and party flags.
Party leader Sali Berisha said that “Rama’s days are numbered”, accusing the government of abuse of power.
Political tensions have been rising since December, when a special prosecutor’s office indicted Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluka for allegedly rigging public tenders for major infrastructure projects. She denies all the charges.
Anti-government protesters in Albania used firework launchers against riot police in Tirana tonight following a rally in support of opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha pic.twitter.com/qI0IspTNGY
— 3JANE TV (@3janetv) February 20, 2026
The anti-corruption court temporarily suspended her, and the prosecution asked parliament to waive her immunity to allow her arrest. The ruling Socialist Party has a stable majority in the parliament, so for now it is not known whether the request will be accepted.
Prime Minister Rama has previously criticized, as he claims, overstepping the powers of the judiciary. Albania, which is aiming for membership in the European Union by 2030, is facing increased pressure to intensify its fight against corruption and organized crime.
(Vijesti.ba)
