Political Tensions in Albania

Albanian opposition calls for the government to resign over corruption claims

Photo: 1997,.Former-president (and current PM of Albania) Sali Berisha addressing a crowd of supporters about the financial scandal and collapse of investments in Tirana, Feb. 19. His lassaiz-faire economic policies and mismanagement of the financial sector would bring his downfall.

By The Associated Press

TIRANA, Albania — Albania's opposition has called for the government to resign over corruption allegations and is organizing a protest in the capital, Tirana.

Main opposition Socialist leader Edi Rama said Thursday that Prime Minister Sali Berisha should call an early election after his deputy prime minister resigned over alleged bribery in a power plant tender.

Rama urged supporters to conduct a peaceful anti-government rally on Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, who also served as economy minister, stepped down last week over claims he tried to influence the tender last year in return for a kickback. But Meta denies any wrongdoing, saying a video of the alleged incident was fabricated by the opposition.