Thousand of protesters in Tirana, Albania's capital, have engaged in violent protests demanding the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku amid corruption allegations. The protests intensified after Balluku was indicted for allegedly influencing public tenders in favor of certain companies related to a major infrastructure project. The Albanian opposition called for her resignation, and protests turned violent when supporters threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at government buildings, prompting police to respond with tear gas, water cannons, and flares. The protests reflect widespread societal outrage against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, which is accused of centralizing power, cooperating with organized crime, and misusing public funds. The unrest threatens Albania’s EU accession prospects, despite progress in judicial reforms and anti-organized crime efforts. The U.S. and European Union have invested in Albania’s judicial reforms, but critics warn that continued neglect of rule of law could push the country toward autocracy. The protests are part of a broader pattern of unrest linked to allegations of corruption and autocratic rule, with opposition figures like Sali Berisha aiming to challenge Rama’s leadership. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing calls for investigations and potential parliamentary votes on immunity for Balluku.