Albania: opposition MPs disrupt parliament with smoke flares
Opposition MPs disrupted Albania's parliament on Thursday by setting off smoke flares and displaying photographs of injured protesters during a vote on central bank legislation.
The chaotic session saw Democratic Party MPs block the podium and showcase images of protesters allegedly injured by police forces. The disruption occurred during a crucial vote on central bank legislation, which Socialist Party lawmakers continued despite the protests. Four opposition members were subsequently expelled from the chamber as tensions escalated.
Protest demands
The parliamentary protest follows ongoing demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. Opposition lawmakers have consistently accused police of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, though these allegations remain unverified by the images presented.
By bringing photographs of injured demonstrators into parliament, Democratic Party MPs sought to draw attention to their accusations against the security forces.
Previous unrest
Similar scenes unfolded on October 22 when opposition MPs surrounded Speaker Niko Peleshi's podium, displayed images of students allegedly beaten by police, and threw objects at officials. Clashes between rival lawmakers forced parliamentary guards to intervene as microphones were torn from desks and chairs overturned.
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