Albanian Parliament Erupts Into Chaos as MPs Clash Over Police Crackdown on Student Protests

Footage shows lawmakers pushing and confronting one another, throwing papers and holding up photographs of injured protesters. Opposition MPs blocked the podium inside the chamber in Tirana as Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi tried to press ahead with proceedings.

"The State Police deserves support. The State Police is carrying out its duties in accordance with its mandate. In accordance with its mandate. Albania must continue," former Interior Minister and Socialist Party MP Taulant Balla said.

The confrontation followed days of demonstrations in Tirana, where students have demanded better education, improved job prospects and action against alleged government corruption.

Some protests turned violent, with demonstrators damaging public buildings and clashing with riot police, who used water cannons and tear gas.

Opposition Democratic Party MPs demanded answers from Interior Minister Ervin Demo over the police response.

The chaos also disrupted parliamentary voting. After problems with the electronic system, Peleshi switched to voting cards to push ahead with legislation.

"The first item is the draught law on the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of the profession of lawyers, concluded in Luxembourg on May 13, 2025. This act requires an absolute majority. The vote is for approval, and it is an open vote," Peleshi said.

"Let us begin the vote. In principle, who is in favour? Seventy-six for, one against, and zero abstentions—the draught law is approved," he added.

The student-led protests began on 13 October and have intensified pressure on Prime Minister Edi Rama's government over corruption allegations and police tactics.

Despite the disorder, parliament pressed ahead with its session, as the confrontation over the government's handling of the protests spilled from the streets of Tirana into the chamber.