Antigovernment protests in Albania turn violent, at least 13 arrested

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al JazeeraFebruary 11, 2026 at 05:07 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

Antigovernment protests in Tirana, Albania, turned violent on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, as demonstrators demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over a corruption scandal involving Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails and flares, while police responded with water cannons and tear gas. At least 16 people were injured and hospitalized, and 13 were arrested. The protests, organized by Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, have been ongoing since November, fueled by allegations of Balluku's interference in government construction contracts. Demonstrators are calling for Rama and Balluku to step down and for parliament to suspend Balluku's immunity. Over 1,300 police officers were deployed to manage the demonstration.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Venezuela 30% Colombia 30% Ukraine 30% Russia 30% United States 30% Parliament of Albania ×250% Democratic Party 60% Sali Berisha ×270% Belinda Balluku ×475% Tirana ×380% Edi Rama ×485% Albania ×590%

Keywords

antigovernment protests 100% political corruption 80% police violence 70% tirana 60% edi rama 60% political discontent 50% government construction contracts 40% belinda balluku 40%