Belinda Balluku

Belinda Balluku is the Deputy Prime Minister of Albania. She is currently at the center of a corruption scandal that has triggered significant political unrest in the country. Recent news reports indicate escalating tensions due to allegations that Balluku interfered in construction bids. An Albanian court initially removed her from her position, but Prime Minister Edi Rama challenged this decision in the Constitutional Court, leading to her reinstatement. This situation has fueled antigovernment protests in Tirana, with clashes between protesters and police. Opposition lawmakers have also disrupted parliamentary proceedings, lighting flares and scuffling with police in protest of the alleged corruption. The U.S. State Department has so far declined to comment on the situation, despite Albania being a key U.S. ally. Balluku's case highlights concerns about corruption within the Albanian government and its potential impact on the country's stability and international relations.