The clashes from the streets of Tirana spilled over into the plenary session of the Albanian Parliament, where the session began in a tense atmosphere, with raised voices and heated exchanges between government and opposition lawmakers.
The situation got out of hand and turned physical when Democratic Party MPs attempted to block the parliamentary rostrum with the slogan “The end has come,” threw water, and referred to a “criminal parliament.” Opposition benches were overturned, and the session was suspended.
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When the session resumed after the suspension, the opposition caused further tension in Parliament. In a social media post, Tauald Bala, chairman of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, showed his bloodied finger following his clash with Democratic Party MP Flamur Noka and statedstated that Sali Berisha’s violence would not hinder Albania’s European integration process.
The members of Parliament had gone to Parliament early this morning, before the protest rally, in order to avoid tensions.
University students gathered again today outside the Prime Minister’s office, and the head of their union, Sander Kovács, called on them to join the protest in front of Parliament alongside the students.
Meanwhile, from Montenegro, where the Berlin Process Leaders’ Conference is taking place, Chancellor Friedrich Merz sent a message at the start of the proceedings stating that violence and polarization must not be allowed to become part of the response to political challenges. The Berlin Process summit is attended by the leaders of the Western Balkan countries and representatives of European countries.
In his speech, Merz called on the countries of the Western Balkans to continue their reforms and work toward the goal of joining the European Union.
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Source: CNA
