Albania’s new parliamentary session for 2026 began amid tension on Monday but was adjourned after just 20 minutes.

As the session opened, Speaker Niko Peleshi began his speech, when opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Party (PD) blocked the podium, demanding the removal of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku from the chamber.

At one point, Peleshi was heard addressing PD leader Gazment Bardhi, saying, “Aren’t you tired, man?” as Bardhi spoke over him, pressing for Balluku’s removal.

When the opposition refused to return to their seats, Peleshi, at the request of the Socialist Party (PS) parliamentary group leader, put several bills to a vote. The legislation was passed with PS votes. Balluku warned the opposition, “You have one week: if you do not come to the Commission for the electoral and territorial reform, we will proceed without you.”