Albania’s parliament descended into chaos on Thursday after opposition lawmakers set off smoke bombs and flares inside the assembly, filling the chamber with thick clouds of red and blue smoke and triggering clashes with security personnel.
Members of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania disrupted a parliamentary session attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, rushing towards the central podium and surrounding the Speaker’s dais. Some lawmakers pulled out microphones, overturned chairs and banged desks as security guards stepped in to restore order.
The opposition MPs also threw water bottles towards Rama and held up banners and photographs of anti-government protesters allegedly injured during clashes with police.
The disruption forced parliament to intervene, with four opposition lawmakers expelled from the session. However, members of the ruling Socialist Party continued with the scheduled proceedings and passed the legislation despite the commotion.
The scenes inside the assembly reflect growing political tensions in Albania, where weeks of anti-government demonstrations have taken place in the capital, Tirana, and other parts of the country.
Student groups and opposition supporters have been protesting since mid-October over allegations of government corruption, rising unemployment, inadequate funding for public education and controversial land development projects.
During Thursday’s session, opposition leader Sali Berisha held up photographs of demonstrators who were allegedly hit by police rubber bullets and accused the government of using force against protesters. His microphone was eventually switched off.
As tensions escalated, parliamentary security personnel formed a protective cordon around Prime Minister Rama and Speaker Niko Peleshi. Scuffles broke out between lawmakers from the rival political camps as opposition members continued to block the podium.
Rama, who secured a fourth consecutive term in office last year, has accused the opposition of trying to sabotage parliamentary proceedings. He has also blamed outside influences for fuelling unrest on the streets.
His government has introduced tougher penalties to curb demonstrations that turn violent. The measures include fines of up to 500,000 Albanian leks, or around $6,000, for participation in violent protests.
Despite the disruption, ruling Socialist Party lawmakers completed the scheduled voting agenda. Security personnel later escorted ministers out of the assembly as the situation remained tense.
