Belinda Balluku

Belinda Balluku is the Deputy Prime Minister of Albania. She is currently at the center of a major corruption scandal that has triggered widespread anti-government protests and political unrest in the country. The opposition accuses her and other senior officials of corruption, leading to demands for her resignation and that of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Recent events include violent clashes between protesters and police in Tirana, with demonstrators calling for accountability and the government's resignation. Opposition lawmakers have also disrupted parliamentary proceedings, lighting flares and scuffling with police, in protest of the corruption allegations. Despite an Albanian court initially removing Balluku from her position, Prime Minister Rama is attempting to reinstate her, escalating tensions further. The U.S. State Department has remained silent on the matter, despite Albania being a key U.S. ally. The situation highlights concerns about corruption and governance in Albania and its potential impact on regional stability.