Oct 6 – Protesters are set to gather in Tirana on Monday for a major opposition-led demonstration, marking the latest escalation in Albania’s political crisis. The march, aimed at protesting the exclusion of 24 MPs from parliamentary sessions, is expected to cause widespread disruption in the capital as organisers plan to block key roads in a show of civil disobedience.
The protest follows weeks of unrest in the Albanian parliament, where tensions reached boiling point during recent sessions. Last Monday, chaos erupted when opposition MPs set fire to chairs in the parliamentary courtyard after a controversial Ethics Secretariat ruling. The decision to ban dozens of MPs for up to 60 days sparked anger among opposition supporters, with many accusing the government of stifling dissent.
In response, security was tightened around the Assembly building, and the Albanian Guard prevented MPs from entering, leading to scuffles between the politicians and security forces.
State police have since issued a public notice, detailing the measures to be taken for the protest. Roadblocks are expected to affect major routes across Tirana, as authorities work to manage what could be one of the most significant demonstrations in recent years.
With no speeches planned, the protest is expected to focus solely on acts of civil disobedience, including the road blockades. Opposition leaders have framed the march as a fight for democracy, accusing the government of corruption and authoritarianism.
