Plenary session kicks off with debate, Balla proposes postponing a bill, Bardhi accuses majority of blocking and violating rules

The parliamentary session began with heated discussions over the agenda and procedures. Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist group, proposed a change to the agenda, requesting that the review of a bill be postponed to the next session.

Balla argued that the bill on European companies is closely tied to the government’s commitments in the EU integration process, especially for Chapter 17.

“Since this law concerns the duties and work the government is doing on EU Chapter 17, I propose that it be combined with the session on the 23rd, at the next meeting. I congratulate the ministers on their work,” he said.

After him, Gazment Bardhi, head of the Democratic group, reacted by expressing concern over how the agenda was drafted. He accused the majority of obstructing the opposition’s legislative initiatives.

According to him, for seven weeks, four bills proposed by the opposition have been blocked, while those of the majority are being reviewed without delay, which constitutes a violation of the Assembly’s rules.

Addressing the Speaker of Parliament, Niko Peleshi, Bardhi demanded that if European integration is the argument for postponing laws, then the four opposition bills should also be put on the agenda.

“Since we removed them for the sake of integration, let’s include our four laws for the sake of integration,” he said, stressing that the majority is favoring only its own initiatives.

After the debates ended, the agenda change was put to a vote and approved with 75 votes in favor and 31 against.