Several protesters and police officers were injured during a violent anti-government protest on Thursday morning near the Albanian Parliament building in the capital, Tirana.
Police established an expanded security perimeter around Parliament after demonstrators had announced the protest several days in advance.
Most members of parliament entered the building through a side entrance while being met with chants from protesters, including: “You do not represent us,” “Parliament of crime,” “Down with the government,” and “Albania demands a revolution.”
The demonstrations, known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” have now entered their 54th day.
The protests initially began in opposition to a proposed luxury resort in Zvërnec, near Vlora, backed by a company linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, the movement has since expanded to include broader grievances over environmental protection, urban development, land management, and other social and political issues.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government and the dissolution of Parliament.
The situation outside Parliament escalated when demonstrators began throwing eggs and tomatoes.
Some protesters managed to remove part of the metal security fence and clashed with police officers. Police responded by using water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
Several demonstrators also attempted to block traffic on the road adjacent to Parliament, urging passing motorists to join the protest. Police intervened to prevent the road from being blocked.
Both protesters and police officers were injured during the clashes. Authorities have not yet released the official number of those injured.
Debate Inside Parliament
While the protest unfolded outside, Parliament was holding its regular session, with 34 items on the agenda.
The opposition accused police of using excessive force against demonstrators.
“The Minister of Interior must explain the substances being used against the protesters—unusual substances that are causing burns to citizens,” Democratic Party MP Agron Gjekmarkaj said.
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari rejected the allegations, stating:
“These products are certified by their manufacturers and are used by both the European Union and the United States.”
The dispute follows images circulated by protesters showing that the water sprayed by police appeared light blue in color. Some demonstrators claimed it caused burning sensations on their skin.
Since the protests began, the government and representatives of the ruling majority have alleged that foreign interests, including actors linked to Iran, are behind the demonstrations.
During Thursday’s parliamentary session, Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, described some protesters as “terrorists” and repeated claims of Iranian involvement.
“U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at the international counterterrorism conference last week that certain extremist movements could threaten stability in Europe. Individuals we have identified, with clear links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, are the main organizers of the violence during the protests,” Balla said.
The protest organizers have consistently denied these allegations.
Meanwhile, opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha said dissolving Parliament is the only appropriate course of action lawmakers should take.
The opposition called on the government to bring all of the protesters’ demands before Parliament and establish a working group to review four laws that demonstrators are demanding be repealed.
These include:
- the Law on Protected Areas,
- the Law on Strategic Investments,
- the Mountain Package, and
- the Law on Cultural Heritage and Museums.
Also on Parliament’s agenda are resolutions on the work of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) and six other independent institutions.
Lawmakers are also expected to debate the normative act authorizing approximately €4 million from the state reserve fund to finance a concert by American rapper Kanye West.
