Political Turmoil in Albania: Clashes Erupt Between Protesters and Police Over Allegations of Corruption and Nepotism

Tensions in Albania have escalated as police clashed with opposition protesters in the capital city of Tirana. The unrest culminated in a dramatic confrontation where law enforcement used tear gas to disperse crowds after demonstrators hurled petrol bombs at government buildings and caused extensive damage to public property.

The protests, which have been brewing for weeks, were framed by organisers as part of a larger movement of civil disobedience aimed at ousting Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government, which they accuse of corruption, nepotism, and stifling opposition voices.

The Root of the Unrest

The immediate spark for the protests appears to be the detention of opposition leader Sali Berisha, a former prime minister, who has been placed under house arrest on charges of corruption.

Berisha, a towering figure in Albanian politics, served as prime minister from 2005 to 2013 and has long been a prominent figure in the country’s Democratic Party. His detention stems from allegations that he abused his power while in office, though Berisha has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the charges are politically motivated.

Berisha’s supporters believe his house arrest is an attempt by Rama’s government to silence political dissent and consolidate control.

Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans denouncing what they see as a pattern of political persecution under Rama’s leadership. They argue that Berisha’s arrest is the latest in a series of moves aimed at weakening the opposition and ensuring that the ruling Socialist Party stays in power without meaningful checks or balances.

Allegations of Corruption and Nepotism

The larger grievances expressed by the protesters are centered around accusations of widespread corruption within Rama’s government. Critics claim that his administration has been plagued by cronyism and that key positions in both government and public institutions are filled by allies and relatives of Socialist Party members rather than qualified individuals. This, they argue, has eroded public trust in the government and the integrity of state institutions.

Opposition voices also accuse Rama’s government of mishandling the economy and failing to address the high levels of unemployment and poverty that persist in the country.

For many Albanians, daily life remains difficult, with wages stagnating and opportunities limited. These economic frustrations have added fuel to the political fire, with protesters increasingly frustrated by what they see as a government more interested in enriching itself than serving the public.

Escalating Violence in Tirana

The protest in Tirana turned violent when demonstrators threw petrol bombs and other projectiles at government buildings, smashing windows and damaging city property. In response, the Albanian police used tear gas to disperse the crowds and prevent further escalation. The clashes resulted in multiple injuries, with both police officers and protesters affected by the confrontation.

The use of tear gas has been condemned by opposition leaders, who argue that the police response was disproportionate and heavy-handed. However, government officials defended the actions of law enforcement, arguing that they were necessary to prevent the protests from spiraling out of control. The violence on the streets has only deepened the political divide, with both sides accusing each other of instigating the unrest.

Increasing Political Polarisation

Albania’s political landscape has long been deeply polarised, and the current crisis has only exacerbated tensions. Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has been in power since 2013, has a strong political base, particularly among urban and younger voters, and he has been praised for steering the country towards European integration and economic reform.

However, his critics argue that these accomplishments have come at the cost of democracy and transparency, with the government increasingly accused of authoritarianism.

On the other side, Sali Berisha, who was once a symbol of Albania’s post-communist transition, remains a controversial figure. While his supporters see him as a victim of political persecution, his detractors point to his own record of alleged corruption and authoritarian tendencies during his time in office.

What’s Next for Albania?

As the protests continue, the immediate future for Albania remains uncertain. The opposition is unlikely to back down, with leaders promising more demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience in the coming days. On the other hand, the government seems determined to press forward, dismissing the opposition’s claims as unfounded and characterizing the protests as a threat to public order.

The crisis underscores the fragile nature of Albanian democracy, where political battles often play out in the streets, and institutions are viewed with suspicion by a large portion of the population. With international actors closely monitoring the situation, there are growing concerns about the potential for the violence to escalate, destabilizing the country further and complicating its path towards European Union membership.

As Albania grapples with these challenges, the broader question remains whether its political system can withstand the pressures of corruption, polarisation, and civil unrest, or if deeper reforms will be necessary to restore public trust and foster a more stable future.

Main Image: Mili Xhani, Editor-in-Chief EuroNews Albania, via X