Belinda Balluku

Belinda Balluku is the Deputy Prime Minister of Albania. She is at the center of a major corruption scandal that has triggered widespread anti-government protests and political unrest in the country. The opposition accuses Balluku and other senior officials of corruption, leading to calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama's government. Recent events include violent clashes between protesters and police in Tirana, with demonstrators demanding accountability and Rama's resignation. Opposition lawmakers have also disrupted parliamentary proceedings, lighting flares and scuffling with police, in protest of the alleged corruption. Despite an Albanian court initially removing Balluku from her position due to allegations of interfering in construction bids, Prime Minister Rama sought to reinstate her through the Constitutional Court. The situation is significant due to its potential impact on Albania's political stability and its relationship with international allies, particularly the United States, which has remained notably silent on the issue.