Democrats Block the Podium, Plenary Session Cut Short; Peleshi Postpones Unfinished Agenda Items Until Next Sitting

Parliament’s proceedings were cut short before the entire agenda could be considered due to tensions and opposition MPs occupying the podium, preventing the plenary session from continuing normally.

As a result, Ombudsman Endrit Shabani was unable to present his institution’s report. Following a proposal by Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla, the chair of the session, Niko Peleshi, decided that the remaining items would be carried over to Thursday’s sitting. He argued that the agenda could not be changed under pressure.

Democratic Party parliamentary group leader Gazmend Bardhi had proposed skipping Shabani’s report and continuing the session with the heads of the other institutions, but the request was rejected.

Peleshi said that although drawing up the agenda falls within the speaker’s authority, it could not be changed after seven hours because of pressure created by the blocking of the podium. According to him, such a precedent serves no one, and Parliament cannot be obstructed whenever the head of an institution is disliked.

He also stressed that the courts, not Parliament, determine whether the official in question is serving lawfully, adding that the opposition had acted correctly by taking the matter to court. Peleshi emphasized that no suspension order was in place and that the case would be heard in September. Until a ruling is issued, he said, the claims remained merely the personal positions of a particular group, while the agenda could not be changed during the day.

Describing the decision to close the session and carry the unfinished items over to the next sitting as being in accordance with parliamentary rules, Peleshi put the proposal to a vote. He accused the opposition of holding Parliament hostage by occupying the podium and preventing the Ombudsman from presenting his report. The postponement was approved with 76 votes in favor and 25 against, while Peleshi announced that the next session would be held on Thursday and declared the proceedings closed.