Albania's Parliament descended into chaos on Thursday as opposition Democratic Party (PD) lawmakers disrupted the plenary session by blocking the speaker's podium and creating loud disturbances in protest.

Opposition lawmakers stood in front of the podium, preventing normal proceedings while banging on desks with their hands and plastic bottles. The protest aimed to stop the ruling Socialist Party (PS) from moving directly to a vote without debate.

The Socialist majority proposed bypassing parliamentary discussion after opposition members refused to clear the podium. Despite the disruption, the ruling majority proceeded with the agenda, approving the draft laws one by one without opposition participation.

During the session, lawmakers also elected Ismail Shehu as the new head of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination (KPP) and approved several parliamentary resolutions.

The latest confrontation reflects the continuing political tensions between Albania's governing majority and the opposition, with parliamentary sessions increasingly marked by protests and procedural disputes.