Albanian MPs ignite parliamentary chaos with smoke flares amid escalating anti‑government protests

NEW Opposition lawmakers in Albania escalated their campaign against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government by detonating smoke flares inside the parliament chamber during a session on Thursday, shattering the proceedings with colored smoke.

Members of the opposition Democratic Party also blocked access to the podium while a vote on a central bank bill was underway, according to reports from Reuters.

In a fiery address that was cut short, opposition leader Sali Berisha declared, “These ruling lawmakers are criminals, and they deserve tear gas, rubber bullets, cracked skulls, and broken bones—not the young people.”

Around Berisha, fellow opposition members held blue flares—the official color of their party—and displayed images of protesters who had been injured by police rubber bullets.

The unrest is part of weeks of student-led demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Rama’s resignation. Protesters cite alleged government corruption, underfunded schools, widespread unemployment, and a dearth of economic opportunities as reasons for their discontent.

In response to the spreading violence, Rama—elected in 2013 and re‑elected to a fourth term last year—blamed “foreign hands who do not want Albania in the European Union.” He accused outside actors of orchestrating the movement, claiming it “represents organized crime rather than students.”

To deter further clashes, Rama introduced strict measures, including $6,000 fines for anyone participating in a protest that turns violent, regardless of whether they personally commit an act of violence.

A new demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, underscoring the ongoing tension between the government and its opponents.

Source link