Politics · Other · 2 hrs ago
Albanian opposition sets off flares in parliament after weeks of protests
Albanian opposition lawmakers set off flares in parliament in Tirana on Thursday, disrupting a session.
The protest followed weeks of student-led demonstrations calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
The protests have been fuelled by anger over perceived government corruption, a lack of jobs and poor education standards.
Opposition lawmakers blocked access to the podium during a vote on a central bank law, and the microphone was cut off while opposition leader Sali Berisha was speaking.
Demonstrations have included attacks on government buildings and banks, though protests were mainly peaceful this week.
Rama has called for dialogue and introduced economic measures, including cheaper fuel and more support for poor families, while also setting fines for people who take part in violent protests.
Another demonstration is planned for Saturday, as the unrest poses a major challenge to Rama, who has governed since 2013.
Albanian opposition lawmakers disrupted a parliamentary session in Tirana on October 29, setting off flares and smoke bombs.
They were supporting demonstrators who are demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation after weeks of anti-government protests.
The lawmakers also blocked access to the podium during a vote on a law governing the central bank.
The protests have involved violence, with demonstrators attacking buildings and clashing with police.
Rama has rejected calls to resign and introduced measures including fines for attending protests that turn violent.
- Who
- Opposition lawmakers, including Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, and demonstrators demanding Rama’s resignation.
- What
- Opposition lawmakers disrupted parliament with flares and smoke bombs and blocked access to the podium during a central bank law vote.
- When
- October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Parliament in Tirana, Albania.
- Why
- The lawmakers acted in support of anti-government demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.
Albanian opposition and demonstrators
Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government
Leadership
Albanian opposition and demonstrators
The opposition and demonstrators demand Rama’s resignation.
Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government
Rama has refused to resign after winning a fourth term last year.
Protests
Albanian opposition and demonstrators
Berisha accused ruling lawmakers of deserving the violence inflicted on young protesters.
Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government
Rama introduced fines for attending protests that turn violent, even if a person did not personally commit violence.
Protests began after preliminary approval of a luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner.
Largely peaceful protests took place against the luxury coastal development.
Student-led demonstrations spread through central Tirana and to other cities.
Rama announced fines of 500,000 lek for anyone attending a protest that turns violent, even if they did not commit violence.
Opposition lawmakers disrupted parliament with flares during a vote on a central bank law.
Another protest was planned.
- Location
- Parliament in Tirana, Albania
- Date
- October 29, 2026
- Opposition leader
- Sali Berisha
- Prime minister
- Edi Rama
- Fine
- 500,000 lek ($6,200) for attending a protest that turns violent
- Central bank law
- Opposition lawmakers blocked access to the podium during the vote
3 sources
What people are saying
These [ruling lawmakers] are criminals and they deserve tear gas, rubber bullets, cracked skulls and broken bones, not the young people