Albanian Parliament: Smoke Flares and Clashes Mark New Phase of Protests

Albanian parliament erupted in chaos on Thursday.

Members of the Democratic Party blocked the podium during a vote on a central bank bill. They set off blue flares that filled the chamber with colored smoke. The disruption marks a sharp escalation in tensions that have gripped the country since mid-October.

Opposition leader Sali Berisha spoke before his microphone was cut off. He called the ruling lawmakers criminals. He argued that the government deserved tear gas and rubber bullets, not the students. Other opposition members surrounded Berisha, holding blue flares and displaying images of protesters injured by police.

The current unrest began on October 13 with student-led demonstrations. Students demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. They cited government corruption, underfunded schools, and high unemployment. The protests quickly turned violent. Demonstrators clashed with police and set fire to government buildings in Tirana. They also attacked the headquarters of Rama’s Socialist Party. The unrest has since spread to several other cities.

Rama, who has served as prime minister since 2013, blamed outside forces for the instability. He accused foreign hands of manipulating the movement to keep Albania out of the European Union. He claimed the agitators represented organized crime rather than students. To curb the violence, Rama introduced new measures. These include $6,000 fines for anyone participating in a protest that turns violent. The fine applies even if the individual does not personally commit acts of violence. Another demonstration is scheduled for Saturday.