Albanian parliament opposition boycotts plenary session amid protest demands

The Democratic Party (PD) announced it will not attend tomorrow’s plenary session of the Albanian Parliament, issuing an internal notice to its deputies. The statement read, “Të nderuar kolegë! Ju njoftoj se nesër nuk do të marrim pjesë në seancën plenare…”. The boycott follows 43 days of nationwide protests, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the prime minister and government, the formation of a non‑partisan technocratic interim administration, constitutional reforms, reversal of recent legislation on protected zones and cultural heritage, and a new social contract between citizens and the state.

Parliament opened the session with only majority deputies present as the opposition upheld its boycott, a move previously signaled by PD leader Sali Berisha. Speaker Niko Peleshi presented the agenda, which includes reviews of the Central Election Commission, the High Inspectorate of Declaration and Asset Control, the Bank of Albania, and various regulatory authorities. The opposition’s continued absence raises the prospect of street protests outside the parliamentary building, echoing earlier incidents.