Overview
- Thousands of opposition supporters led by Sali Berisha rallied in Tirana demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama resign.
- Some in the crowd launched fireworks and petrol bombs at the prime minister’s office before moving toward parliament.
- Police used water cannon and tear gas to push back demonstrators, and clashes around the legislature lasted about two hours.
- Authorities condemned the unrest as “vandalism,” and police reported about 30 arrests while the Democratic Party said roughly 40 were detained.
- The protests were fueled by the December indictment and suspension of Deputy PM Belinda Balluku over alleged contract irregularities, a test closely watched in EU membership talks.