Afrim Gashi: Laws requiring Badenter will be put to a vote

The first coordination meeting ahead of the new parliamentary session was held today, and Assembly president Afrim Gashi said he expects at least four sittings by the end of September. Two sessions are already scheduled for 2 and 11 September, and Gashi said it is likely two more will be held before the month ends.

Gashi highlighted that the main challenge for MPs will be voting on laws that require the Badenter procedure. He told reporters that all such laws will be put to a vote, but he could not predict the outcome because of a procedural blockade by the opposition DUI. Laws of particular interest mentioned were the law on equitable representation, the law on higher education, the law on local self-government and others.

Gashi: parliament will try to push votes despite blockade

When asked at a briefing how he sees the path forward, Gashi said: "This issue has more of a political dimension than a procedural one. In my capacity as President of the Assembly I try to take all measures. I am in contact with all parliamentary groups. We are trying to reach a solution. If the issue enters the political sphere then it is discussed at another political level. I agree that this issue should be resolved, but I leave it to the political actors to resolve it."

Asked whether a leaders' meeting would help break the impasse, he said he could not judge whether it would help or not, but that he is always in favour of discussion and dialogue.

The deputy coordinator of DUI's parliamentary group attended today's coordination meeting, and there was no announcement that their MPs would renew the blockade. "That is not a blockade, but an abuse of the Rules of Procedure, and we will see how they react," Gashi said.

On the question of early parliamentary elections, Gashi pointed out that such elections would only take place if 61 MPs decide to dissolve the Assembly. He added that he supports regular parliamentary elections and will not allow an abuse of the Rules of Procedure to trigger an early vote.

Gashi also announced that a legislative proposal should soon arrive at the Assembly to allow the judicial bar exam to be taken in the Albanian language. Regarding constitutional amendments, he said there is no new momentum but that the Assembly is always prepared to adopt the necessary laws linked to the Reform Agenda and, if a decision on constitutional changes is taken, to act accordingly. He warned that access to the Assembly area will be restricted in the coming months because of construction work to build a parking facility for MPs and staff.

Photo: press material from the event