Debate on US Loan Held Behind Closed Doors, Shehaj Accuses Majority: You Are Hostage to Balluku and Think You Will Escape Justice

After a break of several hours, Parliament resumed its plenary session, during which the US loan agreement is expected to be reviewed. A group of 40 majority MPs requested that the debate be held behind closed doors, a proposal approved by 74 lawmakers.

The resumption of proceedings was accompanied by heated clashes between Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi and Opportunity Party leader Agron Shehaj, who brought a criminal complaint into the chamber.

Peleshi reprimanded Shehaj for an action that, according to him, violated the rules and the law. He stressed that the employees were there to serve the common good and should not be placed in absurd situations, while MPs should lead by example by respecting, rather than breaking, the law.

Shehaj called the request to hold the session without the public present scandalous. Responding to criticism of his conduct, he said he had brought a criminal complaint against all those who, according to him, had used violence against an opposition representative.

The Opportunity Party leader went on to say that the majority had made itself look ridiculous with its agreements and accused it of believing that it could evade justice through agreements with the US. He said the majority was hostage to Belinda Balluku, while the investigations continued and, in addition to abuse of office, a corruption charge had also been brought. Shehaj added that they pretended to be pro-American, but called them “a bunch of common crooks.”

Following this statement, Peleshi warned Shehaj over the language he had used, reprimanding him for insults and the use of unparliamentary language.