The plenary session in Parliament has been disrupted, with Democratic Party (PD) deputies immediately blocking the session. They are heard calling for political solutions regarding the protest that has been held in Tirana for 10 days. Afterwards, PD General Secretary Flamur Noka pushed and damaged the microphone of the head of the Socialist Party (PS) parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, and the plenary session continues amid tensions. “No statement justifies violence. The police are overturning the duty they have”, said the head of the PS parliamentary group.
Earlier, PD deputy chair Belind Këlliçi said in his speech in the Assembly that the PD parliamentary group supports the protest and condemns the brutal violence against young people.
“Today is the 10th day that Albania is experiencing the most powerful student movement. The state has been captured by Rama’s absolute power. This movement is a revolt against the model created by Rama, which is moving Albania away from its European future. The PD parliamentary group will remain on the side of the students and every citizen who protests for dignity. We condemn the brutal violence against students, the reprisals against young men and women, and the blackmail that the delegitimized prime minister has carried out every day”, he said.
Due to the tension, the vote proceeded directly following the majority’s proposal. While the vote was taking place, opposition deputies were physically trying to prevent the voting, attempting to break through the guard’s cordon and pushing PS deputies. At one point, PD deputy Fidel Kreka struck PS deputies with a plastic bottle, while Sali Berisha remained withdrawn throughout.
