Albanian Lawmakers Scuffle as Student Protests Demand Rama Resign
Albanian opposition lawmakers clashed with government officials in parliament as student-led protests against corruption and government violence intensify in Tirana.
Lawmakers in the Albanian parliament engaged in a physical scuffle on October 22, 2026, after opposition members attempted to block a scheduled vote. Led by Sali Berisha and the Democratic Party, opposition MPs threw water and documents toward the speaker's podium and displayed images of injured protesters to condemn government violence against demonstrators.
The parliamentary chaos follows more than a week of student-led unrest in Tirana. While the protests originally began in May over a resort development linked to the family of Donald Trump, the movement has expanded into a broader campaign against corruption and a demand for better education support. Demonstrators are now calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Violence has escalated during the unrest, with more than 300 people, including police officers, reported injured. While the Democratic Party has aligned itself with the protesters, the student movement has distanced itself from both the ruling Socialist Party and the opposition. The students have called for a national rally on October 24, 2026.
