Albania — FrontPages.eu

Protests Intensify and Divide Amid New Corruption Revelations

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Anti-government protests in Albania have taken a new turn, with demonstrators in Tirana splitting into factions, one of which blocked roads and attacked a vehicle, prompting Prime Minister Edi Rama to condemn the violence. Further unrest emerged in Patos-Marinza, where residents protested at an oil field, demanding a reduction in land rent.

Meanwhile, a high-profile corruption investigation saw a significant development as the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) reportedly uncovered a second villa linked to former Minister Belinda Balluku and seized additional assets.

In other domestic news, Prime Minister Rama discussed strengthening citizen engagement with the government, and the administration announced plans to digitize and merge the Land Registry and the Agency for Public Transport into a single entity.

Top stories

Protests Escalate and Fragment Across Albania

Anti-government protests in Tirana have reportedly split into two groups, with one faction blocking roads and assaulting a car and its driver, which Prime Minister Edi Rama has publicly condemned. Separately, residents in Patos-Marinza initiated protests at an oil field, demanding a reduction in land rent and entering the premises of Bankers Petroleum. Member of Parliament Erion Braçe criticized the protests and alleged attacks on parliamentarians, likening the situation to past violent events.

BalkanWeb Protests in Patos-Marinza: Residents demand land rent reduction ↗
Shqiptarja.com Protesters Divided! Group Blocks Tirana Roads, Surrounds and Attacks Car! Rama… ↗
Shqiptarja.com Protests at the Assembly and Attacks on MPs, Braçe: Only a Rifle Was Missing… ↗
Top Channel Protest Erupts at Patos-Marinez Oil Field Amidst Tensions ↗
Top Channel Rama Rebuts European Democrats Over Road Blockades by Protesters ↗
Top Channel Protests in Tirana Block Roads, Some Protestors Crawl on Buses ↗
Shqiptarja.com 'They Are Not Paying Us Land Rent', Marinzë Residents Protest and Forcefully… ↗
Reporter.al After 100 Days, 'Flamingo Revolution' Faces Future Challenges ↗

SPAK Uncovers Second Villa in Balluku Corruption Probe

The Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has made new discoveries in its corruption investigation involving former minister Belinda Balluku, reportedly uncovering a second villa linked to her and seizing additional assets near the Presidential Palace. Balluku served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy until March 2026.

PM Rama Discusses Citizen Engagement, Ahmetaj Makes Controversial Statement

Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized the government's commitment to fostering open communication and trust, ensuring citizens feel comfortable approaching the administration with their problems. In a separate political development, Arben Ahmetaj, a former Deputy Prime Minister and an internationally wanted fugitive by SPAK, made a controversial statement, likening the Prime Minister's alleged dealings to drug trafficking while denying personal involvement.