Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha dismissed Prime Minister Edi Rama's government cabinet reshuffle, calling it a desperate attempt to hold on to power amid mounting pressure. Berisha said it was "Rama's last attempt to save his own skin."

The reshuffle came after Rama held a nine-hour meeting with Socialist Party lawmakers before announcing the cabinet changes. Among the key changes is the replacement of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku - who faces corruption charges from the Special Prosecution - with Interior Minister Albana Kociu. The changes also cover the portfolios of foreign affairs, defense, justice and parliamentary relations.

Berisha characterized the cabinet changes as "a call to Albanian citizens and the opposition" to intensify protests. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a "peaceful uprising" whose primary goal is "saving Albania from Edi Rama and his puppets."

Albania's political crisis is deepening in the pre-election period, with the opposition remaining firm in its demand for greater accountability and a change of government. Albania's international partners are following events with concern, calling for a de-escalation of political tensions and institutional dialogue.