Albania: Parliament descends into chaos as MPs clash over protests
Heated exchanges and chaotic scenes gripped Albania's parliament in Tirana on Thursday as rival MPs clashed inside, while student demonstrators continued their protests outside for a tenth day.
Parliament in Albania descended into chaos as lawmakers engaged in violent confrontations over protests. Members of the opposition pushed and shoved their colleagues, tore microphones from desks, and threw objects around the chamber. Opposition members blocked the podium and banged on desks in an attempt to disrupt the legislative process, while other lawmakers continued voting on bills by raising their cards.
Footage captured overturned chairs and multiple confrontations between rival politicians, as tensions escalated within the assembly.
The clashes occurred amidst ongoing student demonstrations that had gripped the Albanian capital for ten consecutive days. Opposition lawmakers displayed photographs of students reportedly injured by police during earlier protests, expressing support for the demonstrators. Outside the parliament building, crowds of students and their supporters amassed behind police barriers, with some protesters tearing down security fences.
Several university professors also joined the demonstration, as protesters chanted that the state should serve the people instead of those in power.
The unrest spilled from the streets into Albania's political institutions, as the turmoil inside the parliament building mirrored the demonstrations taking place on the streets.
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