Albanian lawmakers scuffle in parliament as protests continue
Albanian lawmakers engaged in physical altercations in parliament as student-led anti-government protests entered their second week. Demonstrators are demanding better educational support and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, amid reports of widespread injuries and arrests.
Why it matters
The escalating unrest in Albania highlights significant domestic political instability and public dissatisfaction with the current administration.
Albanian lawmakers scuffle in parliament as protests continue left Police officers equipped with riot control gear stand guard amid an anti-government protest by students, in Tirana, Albania, on October 22, 2026. Reuters Reuters https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/sxqk2w/article71613134.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-10-22T115737Z_1634486770_RC2A8OA9MW6K_RTRMADP_3_ALBANIA-PROTEST-PARLIAMENT.JPG FLORION GOGA Police officers equipped with riot control gear stand guard amid an anti-government protest by students, in Tirana, Albania, October 22, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga Only minor sporadic incidents occurred on the streets of Tirana on October 22, but the student-led protest movement has called for a national rally on October 24 Tirana Albanian lawmakers grappled on the floor of parliament on Thursday (October 22, 2026), as the opposition accused the government of violently targeting protesters over a week of unrest in the capital. Since last week, student demonstrators have taken to the streets to demand better support for education and to renew months-long calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.
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