Just hours before the first plenary session of the session, tension shifted outside the Presidency of Parliament, where a group of demonstrators called for mobilization for a larger protest in the afternoon. In the official version, the police intervention was carried out for order and security, but the scene also showed another familiar institutional reflex: the swift removal of protest from Parliament’s door.
Gathering outside the Presidency of Parliament
A group of protesters gathered earlier today outside the Presidency of Parliament, in a move linked to the plenary session expected to be held in the afternoon.
At the scene, the demonstrators called for massive participation in the protest intended to take place in front of Parliament, at the same time as the start of parliamentary proceedings.
Calls against Parliament
Chants were heard from the crowd such as, “Shame, parliament of crime,” while the protesters called on lawmakers to act with dignity in carrying out their mandate.
Their message was direct and focused on political confrontation with Parliament, at a moment when the opening of the parliamentary session is expected to be accompanied by tensions outside the building.
Police intervention
According to the official version, police intervened to maintain order and security, moving the demonstrators away from the Presidency of Parliament building.
No further details were given about how the intervention was carried out or whether there were any escorts to police stations, while it remains unclear whether the protesters will return outside Parliament during the afternoon.
Today’s gathering comes at a sensitive political moment, precisely on the day Parliament opens the plenary work of the session.
Beyond the official security reasoning, the intervention to remove the demonstrators from in front of the Parliament building is expected to further fuel the climate of confrontation between protest on the ground and the response of institutions.