Albanian opposition uses flares to disrupt parliament vote

Albanian opposition lawmakers disrupted a parliamentary session on Thursday by igniting smoke flares inside the chamber. Members of the Democratic Party also prevented ruling officials from reaching the podium during a vote on a central bank bill, according to Reuters.

The political standoff occurred after weeks of student-led demonstrations across the country. Protesters have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, citing government corruption, underfunded schools, and high unemployment rates. The unrest began on October 13 and expanded to several cities following clashes with police and the burning of government buildings.

During the chaotic session, opposition leader Sali Berisha addressed the assembly before his microphone was cut off. He described the ruling lawmakers as criminals who deserved physical punishment instead of targeting young people. Fellow Democratic Party members surrounded Berisha, holding blue flares and displaying images of protesters injured by police rubber bullets.

Prime Minister Rama, who has held office since 2013, attributed the unrest to foreign influences. He stated that outside forces manipulating the movement represented organized crime rather than students, aiming to keep Albania out of the European Union.

The government has implemented new financial penalties to control the violence. Individuals participating in protests that turn violent now face fines of $6,000, even if they do not personally commit acts of violence. A further demonstration is scheduled for Saturday.