The General Director of Police, Skënder Hita faced criticism from opposition lawmakers over police conduct during protests in Tirana, as he appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Internal Affairs to present the 2027 police budget.

Democratic Party MP Isuf Çela called for Hita’s resignation, questioning the use of force against protesters and the deployment of RENEA special forces around the Prime Minister’s Office.

Hita defended the police response, saying officers had faced unprecedented attacks involving Molotov cocktails and stones. He also presented previously unpublished photographs of police officers allegedly injured during the demonstrations.

Responding to questions about newly deployed water cannon vehicles and surveillance drones, Hita said the equipment had been provided by partner countries and was being used without any cost to the state budget.

Presenting the proposed 2027 budget, the police chief highlighted ALL 3.3 billion allocated for salaries and a planned increase of ALL 20,000 for 8,174 police inspectors, effective January 1. The budget also includes funding for a new Tirana Police headquarters.

Despite the opposition's earlier demands for his appearance, only two opposition MPs attended the committee session.