2025–2026 Albanian opposition protests
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The 2025–2026 Albanian opposition protests are a series of protests both against Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government following the indictment of his deputy Belinda Balluku on corruption charges. The opposition has demanded Rama's resignation, a technocratic government, new elections without Rama. Protests have ranged from small gatherings in front of the Prime Minister's office to large-scale violent clashes in Tirana. These protests have resulted in multiple arrests, which have also included minors. Protesters have used Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and flares against police and government buildings.
- Corruption scandals involving Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku
- Alleged election fraud in the 2025 election
- Removal of Edi Rama as Prime Minister
- New elections
- Technocratic government
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Aside from the Democratic Party, other political parties, specifically Shqipëria Bëhet and Lëvizja Bashkë have also staged anti-government protests.
Background
In May 2025, Edi Rama secured reelection to a fourth consecutive term, with his party winning 83 seats in the election, and extending his tenure as Albania's longest-serving prime minister. His victory was contested by opposition parties, who claimed the electoral process was marred by irregularities and misuse of state resources. The opposition, led by former prime minister Sali Berisha, framed Rama's electoral victory as a "farce".
Belinda Balluku corruption affairs
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In October 2025, Albania's Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) opened a criminal investigation into the role of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku in public procurement processes, particularly in high-value infrastructure projects such as the Llogara tunnel tender.[15] Prosecutors revealed encrypted messages allegedly showing Balluku ordering tenders to be canceled and participants disqualified, suggesting manipulation of contracts worth about 210 million euros.[16] Balluku is alleged to have used her role in order to manipulate procurement processes to favor certain contractors.
Despite this Rama initially backed Balluku, portraying her as a victim of "judicial overreach" and insisting she remain in office despite suspension. Rama criticized the judiciary's suspension of Balluku, calling it politically motivated.[17] He argued she was not formally accused of corruption and described the Constitutional Court's indecision as a “non-decision.” [18] Balluku herself denied wrongdoing. However, he removed Balluku as part of a cabinet reshuffle in February 2026, replacing her with Albana Koçiu.
Gender equality law
In November 2025, a new Gender Equality Law was adopted, redefining gender in legislation,[19] permitting citizens to self-declare their gender identity, and expanding protections against discrimination in employment, education, and public services. The law seeks to align Albania with EU standards and extends coverage to LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it faced strong resistance from the opposition, which voted against it and criticized the redefinition of gender as destabilizing to traditional norms, claiming that “the government is seeking to destroy the traditional family in Albania”.[20]
Timeline
Protests by PD and SHB
November 2025
17 November 2025: Protest turnout was low, with only a few hundred participants. The Democratic Party had called the protest under the slogan “Let’s save Albania”,[21] demanding accountability and imprisonment of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, but the event failed to mobilize large crowds.[22]
December 2025
December 8, 2025 – March 25, 2026: Adriatik Lapaj, leader of the political movement Lëvizja Shqipëria Bëhet, staged a sit-in protest in front of the Prime Minister's office in Tirana starting on December 8, 2025. The protest lasted 108 days and ended in March 2026, but it failed to attract significant public participation. However, some incidents occurred during this time frame, including the prosecution of Lapaj and other activists.[23]
22 December 2025: Thousands of protesters gathered on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, focusing on the Prime Minister's building, while police imposed road closures and heightened security.[24] Attendance was larger than the previous protest. Traffic across central Tirana was disrupted. The protest included multiple incidents, where in one instance a participant in the protest was burned from Molotov cocktails.[25] 4 people were arrested.
January 2026
24 January 2026: Thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Prime Minister's office. Turnout was large and there were violent incidents during the protest. PD militants threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks toward the Prime Minister's office.[26] The protest followed recent controversies, including a fire at the “5 Maji” market, which opposition leader Sali Berisha linked to corruption and real estate interests.[27] Berisha claimed that "this regime is disfiguring Albania."[28]
February 2026
10 February 2026: Large crowds of protesters gathered in the Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard and in front of the Prime Minister's office and Parliament. Demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails, flares, and fireworks at police and towards the Prime Minister's office.[29][30] Authorities responded by deploying water cannons and using tear gas to disperse crowds. At least 13 people were arrested during the protest,[31] including 7 minors.[32] 16 police officers were injured.
20 February 2026: Protesters marched from the Prime Minister's office to Parliament, hurling Molotov cocktails, fireworks and stones in both of these locations and against police officers.[33] 18 people were arrested during the protest, including 2 minors.[34] Simultaneously, Enver Hoxha's former mansion (Villa 31) in Tirana was attacked by rioters and was partially set on fire.[35] The attack was denounced by Prime Minister Rama, who called it "barbaric". Molotovs were also thrown close to the Namazgah Mosque located near Parliament, disrupting Iftar.[36]
March 2026
22 March 2026: About 1,500 officers were mobilized across Tirana. Violent clashes erupted between tens of thousands of demonstrators and police.[37][38] Protesters used Molotov cocktails, fireworks, flares, and pyrotechnics, and marched from the Ish-Blloku area to the city center and other government institutions. Clashes spread from the Prime Minister's Office to the AKSHI building, Tirana Municipality building, nearby ministries, Parliament and the Socialist Party headquarters, which were attacked with fireworks and Molotov cocktails.[39] A police vehicle was set on fire during tensions. During the clashes Berisha himself was injured due to spray having been thrown on his eye, forcing him to briefly return to his residence before continuing to lead the protest shortly afterwards.[40] Clashes occurred near the Namazgah Mosque. 15 people were arrested during the protest.[41]
April 2026
17 April 2026: Protesters clashed with police at the Prime Minister's office and Parliament, with police blocking protesters from reaching the latter, resulting in tensions. This protest marked the return of the use of speeches by PD leaders during manifestations.[42] Immediately following the start of tensions during the protest, Berisha left and was sent to his residence, escorted by his bodyguards.[43] Security forces used tear gas and water cannons, while protesters threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks.[44] Fierce confrontations occurred on Elbasan Street. Police set up multiple barricades across downtown Tirana. A police officer was hospitalized with burns and head trauma.[45] Multiple people were injured, including MPs Luçiano Boçi, Aulon Kalaja and Klevis Balliu, who had to be hospitalized to the QSUT.[46] 11 people were arrested.[47]
May 2026
8 May 2026: Turnout was much smaller compared to previous protests.[48] During the beginning of the protest a moment of silence was held for 2 children killed recently by a drunk driver, with the latter being framed by the opposition as a “patronagist”. Molotovs were thrown at police officers, resulting in 3 officers being injured.[49] Police blocked protesters from marching to the ministries, resulting in clashes. Significant tensions occurred near the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with police throwing tear gas and using water cannons against protesters.[50] The Prime Minister’s office was not attacked. PD MP Gazment Bardhi quarrelled with police forces.[51]
Protests by LB
December 2025
11 December 2025: Lëvizja Bashkë staged a protest in front of the Albanian Parliament in opposition to the 2026 state budget, which they argued increased inequality, favored oligarchs, and promoted luxury tower construction.[52]
18 December 2025: Various protesters and activists assembled in front of the Albanian Parliament building. The reason for the protest was the tied decision from the Constitutional Court regarding Belinda Balluku‘s suspension. No incidents occurred during the protest.[53]
January 2026
January 9, 2026: A protest was held in front of the Durrës Municipality building triggered by massive floods in the city. Protesters demanded the declaration of a state of emergency, an investigation into the malfunctioning second pumping station (hydrovore), and accountability for the death of a municipal worker swept away by floodwaters.[54]
19 January 2026: Protesters assembled in front of the Albanian Parliament, demanding government accountability, the resignation of Balluku, and transparency in public tenders. The slogan "Hand over Belinda!" was used during the protest.[55]
April 2026
14 April 2026: A small number of activists assembled in front of the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, while the Socialist Party was holding a summit regarding the diaspora. Confrontations occurred with police.[56]
Reactions
Domestic
Rama Government - Prime Minister Edi Rama has dismissed and delegitimized the PD protests. He has condemned the use of Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and flares against government buildings, framing these acts as proof that the demonstrations are not peaceful civic protests but politically orchestrated attempts to destabilize Albania. He dismissed the protesters as “mercenaries” hired by “neighborhood thugs”.[57]
Movement for National Development - The leader of LZHK Dashamir Shehi has strongly criticized the protests led by PD, claiming they serve to “make Berisha’s political longevity longer”. He has also claimed that “protests cannot be held every week”, and has expressed dissatisfaction with them.[58]
Environmentalist Agrarian Party - The leader of PAA Agron Duka has stated that “frequent protests do not deliver results”. Duka has insisted that protests must reflect genuine public frustration, not just “party agendas”. He even suggested creating a special office within the opposition to measure civic sentiment before deciding on demonstrations.[59] Despite this, Duka has continued to support PD,[2] albeit distancing himself from violent activities.
Djathtas 1912 - Enkelejd Alibeaj, the leader of Djathtas 1912, and former Member of Parliament for the Democratic Party publicly criticized the PD protests. He said that “protests with Berisha do not bring any change”, and considered it “nothing different from what has previously been done”.[60]
International
European Union - The EU Delegation in Tirana strongly condemned the violence during the protests, stressing that while peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, violence “cannot be justified” and all political actors must distance themselves from it.[61]
Germany - Germany has strongly condemned the violence during the protests, emphasizing that while the right to demonstrate is protected, it cannot justify attacks on people or property. Both the German Embassy in Tirana and Germany's CDU party criticized Albanian opposition leaders for inciting unrest and issued a harsh condemnation of opposition leader Sali Berisha.[62]