Albanian lawmakers grappled on the floor of parliament on Thursday (October 22, 2026), as the opposition accused the government of violently targeting protesters over a week of unrest in the capital.
Since last week, student demonstrators have taken to the streets to demand better support for education and to renew months-long calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.
Dramatic scenes in the Albanian parliament are not unusual, with similar scenes erupting in the past and flares lit in the chamber at least twice. Anti-government protests in the Balkan nation began in May over a controversial resort development linked to US President Donald Trump’s family. But anger over the development has morphed into a broader push against corruption, amid ongoing demands that the prime minister step down.
Protesters have routinely clashed with police and attacked government buildings, with more than 300 people, including many officers, injured and dozens of protesters detained. Several hundred protesters gathered outside parliament on Thursday (October 22, 2026) during the session, but no clashes were reported.
“Opposition MPs decided today to serve as the voice for the demands of the student protests,” Sali Berisha, longtime opposition leader and head of the Democratic Party, said in a statement.v”This parliament cannot continue; it lacks legitimacy.
