The situation in Albania has reached a critical point. As of June 9, 2026, anti-corruption protests in the country's capital have escalated into open confrontation. The streets of Tirana have become the arena for violent clashes, where police began using water cannons to disperse demonstrators demanding the government's resignation and a review of key economic decisions.
The center of the conflict is a large-scale investment project — the construction of a mega-resort initiated by the son of the former US Secretary of State, Jared Kushner. Despite growing public discontent, Prime Minister Edi Rama has taken an uncompromising stance. In his stern statement, he categorically refused to halt construction, calling the decision strategically important for the country's future.
Authorities claim that the project will bring investment and jobs, however, the opposition and activists insist that the deal is accompanied by corruption schemes and illegal deforestation. The confrontation has intensified to such an extent that law enforcement agencies were forced to use special means to control the situation in the city center.
Escalation of the conflict
The use of water cannons was the first case of its kind during the current protests. Demonstrators, including students, journalists, and representatives of civil society, continue to block major highways, demanding transparency in public procurement issues. Edi Rama, in turn, accuses the protesters of attempting to destabilize the situation to sabotage international investments.
International observers are following the developments with concern, calling on the parties to dialogue. However, so far the government of Albania is demonstrating a willingness to go to conflict, defending the priority of implementing Kushner's project at any cost.