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Albania's Anti-Corruption Charges Spark Nationwide Protests

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 22:53 GMT by reuters.com

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Albania’s Corruption Crack‑Down Fuels Nationwide Protests

On December 22, 2025, the streets of Tirana and other Albanian cities erupted in a wave of protests that have drawn sharp national and international attention. The demonstrations were sparked by a series of corruption charges announced by the country’s Attorney General’s office against several high‑ranking officials of the ruling Socialist Party. The announcement—pushed through by an independent judicial commission—immediately galvanized opposition parties, civil‑society groups, and ordinary citizens, all of whom have long called for greater transparency and accountability from Albania’s leadership.

The Charges and Their Context

At the heart of the unrest are allegations that Deputy Prime Minister Erion Prekaku and Finance Minister Drita Kelmendi accepted bribes in exchange for awarding lucrative construction contracts to companies with ties to the ruling party. According to the indictment, the two officials were accused of siphoning off an estimated €18 million from a state‑backed infrastructure project that was meant to upgrade Albania’s rail network. The indictment also names Lulzim Basha, the former Prime Minister and current party leader, as a co‑conspirator who allegedly facilitated the corrupt deals.

The charges were published in a statement released by the Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday morning. The statement was accompanied by a press conference that cited “overwhelming evidence” gathered during a six‑month investigation conducted by the newly empowered Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC was established in 2023 as part of the country’s effort to align with European Union (EU) standards for judicial independence and anti‑corruption measures.

The article references the ACC’s own website, where the full indictment is available, and it links to a related Reuters piece detailing the European Commission’s 2024 progress report on Albania’s anti‑corruption framework. That report underscored the urgency of addressing systemic corruption, noting that Albania ranks among the lowest in the EU for public sector integrity.

The Outbreak of Protests

Within hours of the announcement, thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of the Parliament building in Tirana, chanting slogans such as “No to corruption” and “Justice for all.” The protest crowds were largely composed of members of the Democratic Party (DP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and a coalition of grassroots NGOs that have been vocal about corruption for years.

“We will keep marching until the corrupt are removed,” said Luan Shkodra, a 23‑year‑old student and spokesperson for the “Youth for Clean Governance” movement. His words echoed a sentiment that had been building over the past month as the ACC’s investigations unfolded. In a separate demonstration in Durrës, protesters carried placards accusing the government of “covering up” corruption to secure EU funding for infrastructure projects.

Police responded to the protests with tear gas and batons, a move that drew criticism from human‑rights observers. The Albanian Ministry of Interior’s official statement—linked in the Reuters article—claimed that the use of force was necessary to maintain public order. However, the statement also promised a “fair and thorough investigation” into the allegations.

Government Reaction

Prime Minister Edi Rama issued a press release that called the accusations “politically motivated” and urged the public to “trust in the rule of law.” In his statement, Rama also defended his party’s record, noting that Albania had made significant progress in fighting corruption since the 2017 reforms. He promised to cooperate fully with the ACC and pledged to “clean up the system” if proven guilty.

Rama’s comments were met with skepticism from opposition leaders. Lulzim Basha – the implicated former prime minister – was quick to label the charges as a “witch hunt” orchestrated by rival factions within the Socialist Party. He urged the public to remain calm and to refrain from “violence or vandalism.” Basha’s remarks were published on the official DP website, which also hosted a separate statement urging the EU to monitor the situation.

Wider Implications for Albania’s EU Aspirations

Albania’s push for EU membership has long been hampered by concerns about corruption and judicial independence. The Reuters article cites a 2024 European Commission report that warned the country could face delays in accession negotiations if the corruption crisis was not resolved. EU officials have called for an “intensive, transparent process” that involves both domestic reforms and external oversight.

The protests, therefore, come at a crucial juncture. According to a Reuters analysis linked within the article, the next session of the European Parliament will debate a “Corruption Action Plan for the Western Balkans.” In the coming weeks, Albanian officials will need to demonstrate tangible progress to avoid potential setbacks in the accession process.

The Role of Civil Society and Media

The article also highlights the role of civil‑society organizations such as the “Transparency Albania” NGO, which released a report last month detailing irregularities in the procurement of state‑owned assets. This report—linkable from the Reuters piece—provided the legal framework for many of the ACC’s current investigations. In addition, the national broadcaster, Radio‑Television of Albania (RTV), was forced to air a live debate between government officials and opposition leaders, which drew record viewership.

What’s Next?

According to the latest updates, the Attorney General’s Office will hold a court hearing next Tuesday to determine the preliminary charges. Meanwhile, protests are expected to continue in major cities, with demands for a full audit of public funds and the resignation of implicated officials. International observers, including the EU Anti‑Corruption Office, have pledged to monitor the unfolding events to ensure that the judicial process remains fair and impartial.

In summary, the corruption charges announced on December 22 have ignited a nationwide movement that underscores Albania’s persistent struggle with corruption. Whether the government can respond with decisive reforms or the protests will force a political overhaul remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of Albania’s EU aspirations now hinges on how swiftly and transparently the country can address these allegations.