Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama accused Russia and Iran on October 19 of conducting information operations amid mass protests against his government. He alleged that thousands of fake social media accounts posed as Albanian citizens and sought to influence public debate. Rama did not publicly present independent evidence linking Russian or Iranian state structures to the alleged activity.
At a meeting with police and Interior Ministry leaders, the prime minister said Moscow had an interest in weakening Albania's economy and obstructing the country's accession to the European Union. He also linked anonymous online activity to protests over environmental issues and contentious infrastructure projects. His comments were published by Albania's public broadcaster RTSH.
The protests in Albania have included clashes with police and demands for the government's resignation. Demonstrators have cited corruption, socioeconomic problems and controversial government decisions on development in protected natural areas among the reasons for their discontent. Allegations of foreign influence do not negate those domestic causes.
Russia's Foreign Ministry had rejected Rama's earlier allegations of Moscow's involvement on October 18, saying Albanians themselves had taken to the streets. Claims that the protests were coordinated from abroad remain a matter of political dispute rather than an established fact.