Gazment Bardhi, head of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party of Albania, has called on citizens to take part in a protest scheduled for March 12 in front of the Parliament of Albania.

Speaking during a press statement from the opposition party’s headquarters, Bardhi said the protest would be an opportunity for Albanians to show “themselves and the world that Albania is not anyone’s hostage.”

The opposition leader’s call comes amid political controversy surrounding a request from the Special Anti-Corruption Structure regarding the parliamentary immunity of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku — a request that was rejected by lawmakers from the ruling Socialist Party of Albania.

Bardhi accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of protecting corruption, saying the decision to block the prosecutors’ request was political rather than legal.

“From today onward, Edi Rama should be seen for what he truly is — a political defender of corruption,” Bardhi said.

According to the opposition lawmaker, the case reflects what he described as a reversal of priorities in Albania, where corruption is portrayed as a victim while the justice system is attacked.

Bardhi also criticized Rama for allegedly using parliament to obstruct the work of prosecutors investigating alleged abuses linked to 11 public tenders worth approximately €1.1 billion.