Albanian Opposition Lawmakers Storm Parliament, Set Off Flares and Smoke Bombs
Opposition lawmakers in Albania stormed parliament in Tirana on October 29, 2026, setting off flares and smoke bombs to disrupt a session. Al Jazeera They were trying to prevent a vote on a new law governing the central bank, the country's main monetary institution. The disruption followed weeks of violent anti-government protests, according to Reuters.
The Democratic Party of Albania, the country's biggest opposition party, led the action under its leader, Sali Berisha. During the disruption, colleagues surrounded Berisha while holding photographs of protesters who were allegedly injured by rubber bullets. The opposition said it was acting in support of demonstrators who want Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign, accusing him of downplaying the ongoing protests. Photographs of the flares were credited to AFP.
The demonstrations began in May 2026, after Rama gave preliminary approval to a luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump. A preliminary approval is an initial sign-off. Protesters cite economic stagnation, alleged corruption, poor education standards and high tuition fees. Albania's average monthly salary is around $1,000.
Al Jazeera describes the protests as the country's largest in decades. They have turned violent, injuring hundreds of people, including police officers. Government buildings, banks and private buildings have been attacked and set on fire. Earlier this year, during protests over graft allegations, demonstrators hurled petrol bombs and fireworks at Rama's office, and police responded with tear gas and water cannon.
Rama has been in office for 13 years and refused to resign after winning a fourth term in 2025. He has introduced fines of more than $6,000 for anyone who attends a protest that turns violent, even if that person takes no part in the violence.
Rama has also announced measures for students. These include larger monthly scholarship stipends for low-income students, scholarships extended to master's students and subsidised rent for students.
Parliament has seen similar disruptions before. In November 2023, Democratic Party lawmakers lit coloured smoke bombs during sessions, and opposition lawmakers had earlier used flares to disrupt a budget vote.
