Anti-government protests escalate in Albania as political crisis intensifies

Anti-government protests in Albania entered their second week, marked by ongoing clashes between demonstrators and police in Tirana. Citizens, including students and professionals, are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, citing corruption and poor educational conditions. Since the start of the mobilizations, authorities have reported 271 arrests, with 45 individuals specifically identified as having criminal records and ties to the violent incidents, according to the Prime Minister. The unrest has also paralyzed parliamentary functions, with opposition members from the Democratic Party causing disruptions that led to the suspension of legislative sessions.

In response to the chaos, the Parliamentary Ethics Committee recently barred six opposition MPs from sessions for 60 days. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rama has repeatedly called for dialogue, placing symbolic items like cushions and chairs outside his office, though these gestures have been rejected by protesters. Rama has also alleged that the protests are financed by organized crime and foreign interests. The situation remains volatile as human rights groups and lawyers have filed a report with the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) over allegations of excessive police force. Multiple parallel marches, including those by medical staff and opposition supporters, continue to exert pressure on the government as the standoff between the administration and the opposition deepens.