Outside Parliament, the plenary session was accompanied by strong tensions on the ground. Protesters and police forces clashed near the building at a moment when lawmakers were also discussing one of the most politically sensitive issues, the territorials issue.
Physical clashes at Parliament’s entrance
In the area around Parliament, the situation escalated between demonstrators and police officers. According to footage and information made public, protesters pushed the security cordon and tried to breach the barriers placed around the perimeter of the building.
The clash happened at the same time the plenary session had begun inside the chamber, turning Parliament’s entrance into the main flashpoint of political and physical tension.
Police used tear gas
To disperse the crowd and regain control of the area in front of Parliament, police used tear gas. This was the authorities’ response at a moment when the situation on the ground appeared to be getting out of control.
The intervention with gas once again raises questions about the management of protests in institutional areas, especially when confrontation between citizens and police quickly turns into physical force.
The territorials issue at the center of the session
The tensions outside the building unfolded in parallel with the debate inside Parliament, where the territorials issue was also on the agenda and was expected to be put to a vote.
This made the political climate even more heated, as such decision-making is often accompanied by opposition in the streets and increased security measures by institutions.
The clashes in front of Parliament showed once again how fragile the management of protests remains when political decisions pass through a session amid high public tension.
At this stage, the picture remains that of a capital city with police, barriers and tear gas facing a protest that tried to move closer to the country’s highest representative institution.