Albania Opposition Disrupts Parliament Amid Anti-Government Protests

October 29, 2026

Bold Voices

29 October 2026
Curated by the team of Boldvoices

Albania’s opposition lawmakers disrupted a parliamentary session on Thursday by setting off blue smoke flares and blocking access to the speaker’s podium during a vote on Central Bank legislation. The confrontation came amid weeks of student-led anti-government demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.

Flares and podium blockade disrupt proceedings

Members of the Democratic Party, Albania’s main opposition group, brought photographs of protesters said to have been injured during clashes with police. Opposition leader Sali Berisha accused the government of using excessive force against demonstrators; those claims should be distinguished from independently established findings.

Parliament continued with the Central Bank law vote despite the disruption. Euronews Albania reported that four opposition MPs—Xhelal Mziu, Bledi Himçi, Ivi Kaso and Bledion Nallbati—were expelled from the session. The speaker also cut off Berisha’s microphone after remarks that parliamentary leadership described as inciting violence.

Student protests broaden into an anti-government challenge

Student-led demonstrations have spread from Tirana to other parts of the country since mid-October. Participants have raised concerns about alleged corruption, limited employment opportunities and education standards, while the broader movement is calling for Rama to step down. Rama has been in office since 2013 and won a fourth term last year.

Earlier demonstrations included serious clashes and damage to public buildings, banks and shops. Protests this week were reported to be mostly peaceful, although tensions remain high. Another demonstration was planned for Saturday, according to Reuters.

Government response and next steps

Rama has urged students to enter dialogue and announced measures including cheaper fuel and increased support for poorer families. His government has also proposed fines of 500,000 lek for people attending a protest that turns violent, even if they do not personally commit violence. The measure has raised concerns about how liability could affect peaceful assembly.

The immediate questions are whether the demonstrations will expand, whether the opposition and government can agree to parliamentary dialogue, and how authorities will balance public order with the right to peaceful protest. The claims made by political actors about police conduct and protest violence remain contested and should be assessed against independently verified evidence.