Thousands rally in Albania demanding prime minister's resignation

2026-03-23 - 00:20

Thousands of anti-government protesters marched through Albania's capital Sunday, calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama and his leftist administration to step down amid corruption allegations. The demonstration, organized by the main opposition Democratic Party, escalated into clashes with security forces. Violent confrontations in Tirana Gathering outside the prime minister's office, demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails at ministry buildings and police vehicles, prompting a forceful response from authorities. Police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Hundreds of officers were stationed across Tirana, with many roads closed to traffic as tensions mounted in the city center. Ongoing political unrest Sunday's protest is the latest in a series of anti-government demonstrations that have shaken Albania in recent months. Opposition parties have vowed to continue their campaign against what they describe as government corruption, maintaining pressure on Rama's administration despite repeated calls for dialogue. The political instability comes as Albania navigates its EU accession process and regional challenges. No immediate resolution With opposition groups showing no signs of backing down and the government rejecting calls to resign, Albania appears headed for continued political turbulence. The international community is watching closely as the Mediterranean nation struggles to maintain stability amid deepening domestic divisions.