Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved the dismissal of Ilir Proda from his position as Director General of the State Police, following his resignation amid mounting political pressure.

Proda stepped down after Prime Minister Edi Rama decided to remove him from office. Shortly afterward, the Interior Ministry announced it had opened the competition process to appoint a new head of the State Police.

Under Albanian law, the Director General of the State Police serves a five-year term, with the right to be reappointed for an additional five years. Proda had held the post for 17 months.

His departure comes days after unrest during a protest on Saturday, February 28, in Tirana’s former Blloku district. Demonstrators reportedly threw Molotov cocktails at the former residence of communist-era dictator Enver Hoxha, where several foreign artists were present at the time.

The incident intensified scrutiny over law enforcement’s handling of public order and security, prompting swift political action.

Authorities have not yet announced an interim replacement, but officials say the selection process for a new police chief is underway.

The government has not provided further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Proda’s resignation beyond confirming the Council of Ministers’ decision.