A corruption case involving Albania’s deputy prime minister has escalated into violent street clashes and a high-stakes political confrontation, exposing deep divisions within the country’s governing institutions and raising fresh concerns about the rule of law in a nation aspiring to move closer to the European Union.

On February 20, tensions erupted in the capital, Tirana, as demonstrators clashed with police outside government buildings. Protesters hurled petrol bombs and fireworks toward the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas and water cannons. The unrest marked the fourth major wave of protests in recent weeks, underscoring mounting public anger over what critics describe as attempts to shield senior officials from accountability.

At the center of the controversy is Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who is facing allegations of interfering in public tenders to favor certain companies. The case was initiated by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure, commonly known as SPAK, which formally indicted Balluku in December. Prosecutors allege violations of the “equality of participants in public tenders or auctions,” specifically in connection with a 2021 procurement process linked to the strategically significant Llogara Tunnel infrastructure project.

Balluku has denied all accusations, asserting that the procurement processes were conducted in accordance with the law. Prime Minister Rama has publicly backed her, describing the case as politically motivated and warning against what he characterizes as judicial overreach. His stance, however, has done little to calm public dissatisfaction.

The prosecutors’ investigation extends beyond the Llogara Tunnel. According to reported........

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