The arrest of protesters after violent clashes outside Albania’s prime minister’s office has underscored a deepening political crisis, as the opposition intensifies pressure on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government and authorities warn of escalating risks to public order.
Police said four people were arrested and seven others are being investigated while remaining at liberty after Molotov cocktails, fireworks and hard objects were thrown at government buildings following an opposition rally in central Tirana. Two police officers were injured, according to officials.
The unrest comes as opposition leader and former prime minister Sali Berisha seeks to broaden public mobilization against what he describes as systemic corruption and the capture of state institutions. Addressing thousands of supporters, Berisha accused Rama of amassing vast personal wealth through the misuse of public assets and of silencing dissent through control of institutions, the judiciary and much of the media.
Berisha declared that protests would continue “without interruption” until Rama is removed from power and called for the creation of a broad opposition front. He also alleged that the prime minister has blocked investigations into senior officials, including his deputy, claims the government strongly denies.
The ruling Socialists have rejected the accusations and condemned the violence, saying that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, attacks on state institutions cannot be justified. Officials insist that the judiciary is acting independently and that no one is above the law.
Divisions are also visible within the opposition camp itself. Agron Shehaj, leader of the small “Opportunity” party, publicly distanced himself from the protest, questioning its goals and arguing that parts of the opposition lack credibility. He said support for justice reforms remains essential, highlighting differing strategies among government critics.
Analysts say the combination of street confrontations, polarizing language and fragmented opposition risks further destabilizing Albania at a sensitive moment, as the country seeks to maintain reform momentum and advance its European Union accession path. If protests persist without a clear political outcome, they warn, tensions between institutions and society could intensify in the weeks ahead.