The Albanian Parliament was engulfed in chaos on Monday when Democratic Party lawmakers released smoke bombs in the chamber hall, protesting what they believe to be an unconstitutional vote on the nation’s 2024 budget. This act marks the most recent episode in a series of disruptions sparked by deep-seated political discord within the country.
Opposition towards the ruling party has been escalating over time. Indeed, in February, demonstrators were already calling for the resignation of Socialist Party Prime Minister Edi Rama, citing allegations of corruption. The political tensions were further fueled in October when Sali Berisha, the former Prime Minister and a Democratic Party leader, was charged with corruption and money laundering. Berisha claimed that the allegations were entirely politically motivated. He has since led continued protests, culminating in physical altercations within parliament chambers and causing MPs to be advised to working online.
In the most recent protest, MPs were seen assembling chairs in the center of the chamber hall and igniting a series of red, green, and purple smoke bombs as Rama began the budget vote. Amidst the chaos, a small fire broke out in the fourth row of seats, which was quickly put out. Despite the disturbance, the vote was swiftly carried out. Rama later stated that the protesters were importing “the vocabulary and manners of the street into politics,” leading to “strife, chaos, violence and reaping loss.”
Countering Rama’s remarks, Sali Berisha issued a statement to the press, declaring that his party sought to introduce pluralism within parliament. He assured that the protests would continue until an investigative commission is convened to explore the corruption allegations against Prime Minister Rama.
Albanian lawmakers have undoubtedly pushed the boundaries of what can be considered parliamentary procedure, with this smoke bomb protest being the latest in a surge of political disruptions. The escalating tension between politicians not only elucidates the deep-seated political discord but also raises concerns about the current state of Albania’s democracy.