Tensions erupted in Albania’s Parliament on Thursday as opposition lawmakers threw water, bottles and eggs toward Prime Minister Edi Rama and former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku shortly before lawmakers voted on a new administrative-territorial reform.
According to Gazeta Express, Balluku entered the parliamentary chamber just seconds before the vote, after missing the debate, as tensions between the governing majority and opposition had escalated.
Democratic Party lawmaker Gazment Bardhi threw water in Balluku’s direction, while other opposition lawmakers threw bottles toward Rama. Eggs were also thrown inside the chamber.
The incidents took place during the final minutes of a marathon parliamentary session that lasted approximately 14 hours and was marked by heated exchanges between lawmakers.
The opposition opposed the proposed territorial reform, calling for the bill to be withdrawn and accusing the governing majority of preparing changes to the country’s administrative divisions without adequate public consultation.
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha called for the proposal to be put to a referendum.
Despite the disruption, Parliament approved the reform shortly after midnight, with 85 votes in favour. The legislation paves the way for a new territorial organization of Albania comprising 46 municipalities.
The vote marks a significant step in the government’s plans to reorganize local administration, although the opposition’s objections have highlighted continuing political divisions over the reform.
