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| In the Albanian parliament, the tensed deputies debating fiercely among themselves near the lectern |
Tensions between Albania's opposition and the ruling majority remain high, with a group of Democratic Party (PD) deputies blocking the start of the Conference of Chairpersons meeting where the presentation of the next year's budget by Finance Minister Ervin Mete was scheduled.
The opposition deputies placed themselves in front of the doors of the meeting room, not allowing anyone to enter. Heated debates and clashes ensued between them and majority representatives. These clashes follow a similar pattern to those that erupted a few days ago during a parliamentary session, including a physical confrontation between Democratic Party deputy Gledion Nallbati and Socialist Party deputy Vullnet Sina, which resulted in the expulsion of six opposition deputies.
One of the expelled deputies, Gazmend Bardhi, had a heated exchange with Parliament Speaker Lindita Nikolla in the corridors of the parliament. Earlier, a group of opposition deputies forcibly entered Ms. Nikolla's office while she was not present. As a result, the meeting of the Economic Commission was postponed, and the deputies dispersed to continue their session online.
The opposition deputies have made it clear that they will not allow normal parliamentary sessions or committee work until they feel their fundamental rights are respected. They accuse the majority of refusing to establish several investigative committees or attempting to impose opposition representation in the Special Commission for Electoral Reform. Mr. Bardhi stated that the opposition's obstructive stance will persist during the parliament's session tomorrow, adding, "Neither tomorrow's session nor any parliamentary committee will function as long as the country's opposition is not allowed to function. We are not seeking to take Lindita Nikolla's seat or the majority's seats. We are demanding our rights, and we want to exercise the mandate given to us by the honest citizens of this country."
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha weighed in, suggesting that everything resulted from the fact that "after the opposition deputies patiently worked to reestablish their rights, a moment came when their presence in parliament was entirely fictitious. We cannot sit in parliament as wage earners and not fulfill the missions for which the citizens voted for us. That's why today, the group blocked the presidency meeting with the demand: fulfill our constitutional requests." Mr. Berisha reiterated his warning, stating, "This is just the beginning. Let Edi Rama know."