In Tirana, Albania, anti-government protests turned violent as thousands gathered to demand the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who faces allegations of corruption related to public tenders. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails at a government building, while police responded with water cannons in an effort to disperse the crowd. This incident marks yet another escalation in the ongoing protests against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, which has been in power since 2013.

Tensions in Albanian politics have significantly increased since December, when the Special Prosecutor's Office referred Deputy Prime Minister Balluku for alleged interference in public tenders, suggesting that she favored certain construction companies. Balluku has denied these allegations, insisting on her innocence. However, the political landscape remains fraught, with public sentiment increasingly turning against the government amid calls for accountability and transparency.

The protests could represent a substantial threat to the stability of Rama's administration, as they reflect broader discontent among the populace regarding governance and corruption. With numerous protests erupting in recent weeks, the situation remains volatile, and there are concerns about how the government will respond to ongoing civil unrest and the implications it may have on future governance in Albania.