Today's parliamentary session was held amidst strong tensions, physical clashes and chaos in the Assembly hall, while outside the building there was a protest by citizens, medical students and teachers. Opposition MPs blocked the rostrum, clashed with representatives of the majority and threw cards and letters at the socialists, while the parliamentary majority canceled the discussions and went directly to voting on the draft laws.
The tensions began at the beginning of the session, at a time when students have been protesting for several days demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. In their support, the deputies of the Democratic Party opposed the normal development of parliamentary proceedings, arguing that the Assembly cannot continue its activity as if nothing had happened, while the country, according to them, is in a deep political and social crisis.
On behalf of the Democratic Party Parliamentary Group, MP Belind Këlliçi read a statement, through which he condemned the alleged police violence against students and the threats that, according to him, Prime Minister Edi Rama has addressed to the protesters.
Këlliçi stated that the new generation is rejecting misgovernment and is demanding the removal of the prime minister. On behalf of the Democrats, he demanded the resignation of Edi Rama, the dissolution of Parliament and the creation of a caretaker government, emphasizing that there can be no parliamentary normality in the face of the current situation.
The situation escalated further when the head of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, took the floor, defending the stance of the Police officers regarding the student protests. During his speech, Democratic MP Flamur Noka approached him, took his card and blocked his microphone, preventing him from continuing the discussion.
This action was followed by further tensions in the chamber, where Democratic MPs began throwing letters at the majority representatives. The clashes did not remain only verbal, as there were also physical confrontations between MPs from the two political camps.
In one of the tense moments, Democratic MP Fidel Kreka took the card from Socialist MP Bledi Çuçi, causing a reaction from former Minister Ervin Hoxha. The situation was further aggravated when Kreka pushed the Socialist MP.
Another clash occurred between DP MP Flamur Noka and Socialist MP Agron Malaj. The conflict between them forced the intervention of Republican Guard officers, who tried to avoid further escalation of the situation.
Meanwhile, opposition MPs also took the voting cards of socialist representatives, while debates and clashes continued in the hall.
Following the situation created, the socialist majority decided to cancel all scheduled discussions and move directly to voting on the draft laws on the agenda.
This decision caused an immediate reaction from the opposition, whose deputies threw cards at the Speaker of the Parliament, Niko Peleshi. In protest, the Democrats also overturned chairs, turning the Parliament hall into a scene of chaos.
Amidst the tensions, the majority continued voting on the draft laws, while the Speaker of the Assembly, Niko Peleshi, after approving all the draft laws that were on the agenda, announced the completion of the voting procedures and the closing of the parliamentary session.
This entire situation took place at a time when protests by citizens, medical students, and professors were continuing outside the Parliament, accompanying the parliamentary day with tensions both inside and outside the institution.
However, it is worth noting that despite the tensions created, the opposition was unable to prevent the majority from adopting the envisaged laws, and the entire show of clashes served only as the next news item in the media.
