Two separate protests demanding the resignation of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama were held outside the Council of Ministers building in Tirana over the past two days, Albanian media reported.
On January 4, the civic movement Albania Becomes (Levizja “Shqiperia Behet”), led by Adriatik Lapaj, staged a protest outside the government building. Clashes broke out between police and protesters, according to the news portal Shqiptarja. Albanian police said four people suspected of throwing heavy objects at police officers were detained, while an additional investigation was launched against nine others, including Lapaj.
On January 5, another protest with the same demand was organized at the same location by Albania’s main opposition force, the Democratic Party of Albania (DP). The demonstration was attended by DP lawmakers, party leader Sali Berisha, representatives of various organizations and dozens of citizens, the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) reported. Adriatik Lapaj also joined the rally.
The two protests follow an anti-government demonstration held in Tirana on December 22, 2025, when some protesters threw firecrackers and flammable objects at the prime minister’s office building. At the time, police said four people were arrested and investigations were launched against seven others. According to official data, three police officers, a photographer and one protester were injured during the unrest.
Political tensions in Albania have escalated in recent months amid corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Along with several officials and companies, Balluku has been accused of using public funds to favor certain firms in major infrastructure projects. During a parliamentary hearing last month, she described the allegations as insinuations and defamation and said she was cooperating with judicial authorities.
Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure, SPAK, has requested that Balluku’s immunity be lifted and that she be arrested. It remains unclear when parliament, where the ruling party of Prime Minister Edi Rama holds a majority, will vote on the request.