Albanian lawmakers scuffle in parliament over student protests
Opposition and ruling-party MPs clashed in Albania's parliament on Thursday after leaders refused a debate on student protests. The demonstrations in the capital Tirana have now lasted ten days.
Lawmakers from Albania's opposition and ruling party clashed in parliament in Tirana on Thursday. Opposition MPs tried to disrupt the session after parliamentary leadership rejected their demand to debate ten days of student protests in the capital. The protests are part of a wider anti-government movement calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Opposition deputies held up photographs of students injured by police in earlier demonstrations and blocked the speaker's podium. Amid the disorder, the assembly continued voting on legislation.
Outside, large crowds of students gathered at the building's entrances as the protests reached their tenth consecutive day. For nearly two weeks, demonstrators have repeatedly clashed with police in the city centre, throwing rocks, flares, firebombs and fireworks. Officers have used batons, water cannons and tear gas.
What the students want
High school and university students are demanding lower tuition fees, more state investment in education and an end to corruption in the education system. They have joined a broader movement urging the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Rama has vowed to resist. After meeting teachers and school representatives on Tuesday, he described a wave of stones and an attempt to overthrow the government through violence, which he said would never be allowed. He argued that legitimate grievances were being exploited by people deliberately inciting violence.
Background
The student protests follow months of demonstrations led by the Flamingo movement, which arose in opposition to a large luxury tourism development on Albania's southern Adriatic coast. The project is linked to an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
Albania is not alone. Governments across Europe face street pressure over rising fuel costs, worsening public services, underfunded schools and a deepening housing crisis. France and Italy have seen similar protests, while tent camps have appeared in Spain and Portugal over unaffordable housing. Demonstrations were also planned in Greece this week.
