Edi Rama faces protests and criticism over governance, corruption and foreign ties

Mass protests have erupted in Albania against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Demonstrators have gathered in front of the prime‑minister’s office, while Rama has posted messages from citizens urging him not to resign and reaffirming his commitment to Albania’s 2030 EU accession plan.

Rama also used his social‑media channels to criticize opponents, posting a photo of a protester linked to Iran and warning a former deputy minister against political pressure on a family tourism business. Socialist veterans and former ministers publicly denounced his handling of the unrest, calling for internal party renewal and accusing the government of undermining democracy.

Parliamentary deputy Romina Kuko warned that the protests, while a sign of democratic expression, contain calls that could destabilise the state. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi disclosed earnings exceeding €3.7 million from five state‑linked boards, sparking accusations of conflict of interest and questions about the allocation of public contracts.

The controversy also extended to symbolic issues, with Nufi condemning the use of the UÇK flag in protest rhetoric. Overall, the wave of demonstrations, political rebuttals and investigations into officials’ financial ties have intensified scrutiny of Rama’s leadership.