Physical clashes break out in Albania's Parliament amid protests
Opposition deputies demanded Edi Rama's resignation; the session ended with physical scuffles and votes held under tension.
Members of Albania's Parliament clashed physically on 22 October 2026 as a heated session over recent student protests descended into pushing and scuffles inside the chamber.
The confrontation began after a representative of the Democratic Party, Belind Keljichi, addressed the assembly on behalf of the opposition group and demanded a series of political moves: resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, formation of an interim government and the self-dissolution of Parliament. He also accused the government of police violence against young protesters and of putting pressure on their families.
Escalation on the floor
The situation escalated when Taulant Bala, head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, took the podium to defend the actions of state police. During the exchange, microphones were cut and physical confrontations broke out between deputies.
Lawmakers pushed and threw chairs as parts of the session turned chaotic. Despite the objections and protests from Democratic Party deputies, MPs from the ruling Socialists voted for the proposed laws while holding up green cards.
The incident occurred amid a broader wave of unrest: student protests that had been ongoing for ten days were cited repeatedly during the speeches. Video from the chamber circulated on social networks after the session, showing deputies grappling and shouting before order was eventually restored.
The dramatic events in Parliament were reported on 22 October 2026 at 18:00, when the session took place and the clashes were recorded.
Photo: press material from the event
