Albanian Opposition Lawmakers Disrupt Parliament With Flares as Oct. 13 Protests Escalate
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 29
Albanian Opposition Lawmakers Disrupt Parliament With Flares as Oct. 13 Protests Escalate
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 29
Summary
Blue flares and colored smoke halted Albania’s parliament on Thursday as opposition Democratic Party lawmakers blocked the podium during a vote on a central bank bill.
The disruption marked a new escalation in student-led protests that began on Oct. 13, with demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama resign over alleged corruption, weak schools, unemployment and scarce economic opportunity.
Sali Berisha denounced ruling lawmakers in a speech before his microphone was cut off, while opposition members displayed images of protesters injured by police rubber bullets inside the chamber.
The unrest has already turned violent in Tirana and other cities, with protesters setting fire to government buildings and clashing with riot police outside the ruling Socialist Party headquarters.
Rama, in power since 2013 and re-elected for a fourth term last year, has blamed foreign interference and imposed $6,000 fines for joining protests that turn violent; another demonstration is set for Saturday.