Albanian Democratic Party MPs disciplined, opposition fails to block Parliament
Photo: Democratic Party MPs blocked proceedings in protest of the conviction of their colleague, Ervin Saljani, for filing a false report.
The Secretariat for Procedures, Voting, and Ethics of the Albanian Parliament imposed disciplinary measures on 24 Democratic Party (DP) MPs. This decision followed Monday’s chaotic parliamentary session, where opposition members blocked proceedings in protest of the conviction of their colleague, Ervin Saljani, for filing a false report. Key MPs, including Flamur Noka, Gazmend Bardhi, and Bledion Nallbati, were suspended for 60 days, while 20 others received 40-day suspensions for throwing chairs and disrupting the session. Veteran MP Edi Paloka was suspended for 10 days.
Why is this important: The DP’s disruptive tactics are part of a now familiar pattern of behavior ahead of elections. However, the situation is now exacerbated by the fact that DP leader Sali Berisha will soon face trial for corruption, alongside his son-in-law. His situation is made worse by the fact that he has been declared persona-non-grata by the US and UK for his alleged involvement in corruption and links to organized crime. Many expect the tensions to rise as the trial approaches with Berisha trying to leverage the tensions to secure a better outcome.
What they’re saying: The DP responded defiantly to the measures, stating they do not recognize the disciplinary actions. Gazment Bardhi, head of the DP parliamentary group, declared that the suspensions reflect Prime Minister Rama’s fear of the opposition. “They imprison us without law or evidence, and now they exclude us from Parliament. This shows how cowardly Edi Rama is. We will confront him, inside or outside Parliament,” Bardhi said.
Blocking access: DP MPs attempted to block the entrances to Parliament, to prevent Socialist MPs from entering. For several minutes, opposition members took control of both the main and side doors, clashing with the Guard of the Republic. Several high-profile Socialist MPs, including Finance Minister Petrit Malaj and Foreign Minister Igli Hasani, were barred from entering.
What’s next: The DP has called for a nationwide protest next Monday, aimed at paralyzing the country and causing social unrest until their demand for a technical government is met. Bardhi warned that the opposition would continue to act unpredictably, targeting not only Parliament but also the Prime Minister’s Office and other government buildings they claim are linked to organized crime.
Business as usual inside Parliament: Despite the opposition’s efforts, 71 MPs, including Speaker Elisa Spiropali, managed to enter Parliament through security entrances. Tourism Minister Mirela Kumbaro and MP Arben Pëllumbi continued their speeches from the podium, signaling the government’s determination to proceed with parliamentary duties. Meanwhile, tensions outside continued to rise as opposition MPs clashed with security forces.
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