FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The Albanian opposition protest has echoed in international media, widely reported as a sign of growing tensions between the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama and serious allegations of corruption at the highest levels of power.
The prestigious Reuters agency reported that hundreds of protesters in Tirana threw Molotov cocktails at the Prime Minister's Office building on Monday, demanding Rama's resignation after criminal charges were filed against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku.
Balkan Insight also highlighted the large number of citizens who responded to the Democratic Party’s call to protest in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, while quoting MP Belind Këlliçi as stating that “this is just the beginning.” The media notes that the protests come at a time when SPAK has requested the lifting of Balluk’s immunity from arrest, in an investigation that also includes other government figures and leaders of strategic institutions such as AKSHI.
According to Global Banking & Finance, allegations of corruption in the awarding of public tenders for multi-million euro infrastructure projects have sparked public anger. British media quoted protesters describing the situation as “shameful” and unacceptable, while Balluku called the accusations against her “filth, half-truths and lies.”
Despite public pressure and SPAK's intervention, the socialist majority in parliament has not yet given a signal to ease the arrest procedure, while the Constitutional Court's decision on Balluk's suspension is expected in January. In this tense political climate, international media note that Monday's protest in Tirana has become a clear signal that dissatisfaction with the government is no longer just an opposition issue, but a concern that has also gained global attention.
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