Albanian Parliament Faces Protests and Calls Emergency Session

On the 54th day of a parliamentary protest, demonstrators gathered outside the Albanian Parliament building, throwing eggs, tomatoes, potatoes, plastic bottles and other items. Police responded with high‑pressure water jets, pepper spray, tear‑gas and other irritants, some of which the Interior Minister said are also used in the United States and the EU. The protest was marked by attempts to breach metal fences and pull down security cordons.

Inside the chamber, a plenary session was convened to address pending agenda items. Speaker Niko Peleshi issued an urgent order for a new plenary meeting on Monday, 27 July, at 10:00 a.m., to approve the minutes of the 23 July session, amend the rules on substitute members of standing committees, and discuss other procedural matters. The session will be broadcast live via national television and the Parliament’s official Facebook page.