During a parliamentary session in Tirana on Thursday, opposition members in Albania made attempts to disrupt proceedings by igniting smoke bombs and firing signal rockets. They accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of downplaying ongoing anti-government protests in the country, according to reports from AFP and Reuters.
Since mid-October, Albanian students have been protesting in the streets, demanding greater attention to education and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Approximately 350 individuals, including police officers, have been injured, with dozens of protesters arrested amid clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators, some of whom attacked official buildings.
On Thursday, opposition members targeted Rama by throwing objects such as water bottles. They lit signal rockets and smoke bombs while chanting “Rama, resign!” Several deputies displayed photographs of protesters injured by police and held placards supporting the protests.
Belind Kellici, a deputy from the opposition Democratic Party, condemned Rama and his Socialist Party as they continue their agenda as if nothing has transpired, calling it a “deliberate attempt to deny the deep crisis the country is facing.”
Last week, the opposition also tried to disrupt the normal voting process.
Protesters criticized the entire political class, accusing both Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha of corruption.
The Albanian government introduced fines of up to €5,500 for violent protesters on Wednesday, over five times the average salary. Rama has consistently attributed street violence to “foreign actors,” accusing Russia and Iran of conducting online disinformation campaigns. Albania is a candidate for EU membership.
The anti-government mobilization began in May in reaction to a controversial real estate project, which was seen as benefiting associates of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
