Gashi Withdraws “Skopje 2028” Bill from Agenda, Opposition Claims Rules Were Violated

The draft law on the implementation of the “Skopje – European Capital of Culture 2028” project was removed today from the agenda of the 119th session by Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi. The legislative initiative had been scheduled for a vote under an expedited procedure.

The text was proposed by a group of MPs from VMRO-DPMNE and envisaged the establishment of a special foundation by the City of Skopje. During procurement for the Skopje 2028 project, the foundation would not be required to comply with the Law on Public Procurement. According to the sponsors, such a project requires a special management approach that would guarantee professional and programming independence.

The initiative prompted numerous reactions from the opposition and non-governmental organizations. Following an extraordinary coordination meeting with representatives of the parliamentary groups, Gashi decided to remove the draft law from the agenda, but the move was not welcomed by opposition MPs.

MP Talat Xhaferi said the decision constituted a violation of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure. According to him, the Parliament Speaker cannot change the agenda on the basis of which the session was convened, as such authority belongs solely to the sponsor of the item concerned.

Gashi, on the other hand, said Parliament’s Rules of Procedure allow him to schedule urgent sessions at shorter notice. He also alleged that the session’s proceedings were being obstructed through parliamentary procedures.

Before the coordination meeting, DUI, the Albanian League and the Alliance for Albanians had reacted by claiming that Gashi was not acting in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. The opposition parties stressed that the materials had not been submitted for review at least ten days in advance and that the use of the Albanian language was not being respected.