Albanian opposition lawmakers disrupted parliament in Tirana with flares and smoke bombs in support of demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. They displayed photographs of protesters they alleged had been injured by police. The central-bank legislation vote continued, while the student-led protests have expanded around education costs, standards and corruption allegations.
Opposition lawmakers in Albania set off flares and smoke bombs during the parliamentary session in the capital, Tirana, on October 29. Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, joined the disruption in support of demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. Lawmakers displayed photographs of protesters whom they alleged had been injured by police, including by rubber bullets.[1], [2]
The opposition sought to prevent a vote on legislation governing the central bank but failed to stop it. Four opposition lawmakers were removed from the session, according to Euronews Albania. Berisha’s speaking rights were restricted on the grounds that he had called for violence. He condemned the treatment of young demonstrators while addressing government lawmakers in inflammatory language.[1]
The student-led movement has expanded to encompass education standards, high tuition fees, economic stagnation and corruption allegations. Rama, who won a fourth term last year, has refused to resign. His announced measures include higher monthly scholarships for students from low-income families, extending scholarships to master’s students and subsidising student rents. The measures accompany continued demands for his departure.[1]
