Democratic Party demands parliamentary debate on government program

The parliamentary group of the Democratic Party (DP) has formally requested a motion with debate on the priorities announced in the government’s four-year program.

Why is this important: The move comes after a heated session in which the new government was voted without a debate or a reading of its political program — a first in Albania’s parliamentary history. Opposition MPs blocked Prime Minister Edi Rama from presenting the program, calling the president’s decree on the appointment of a virtual AI minister unconstitutional. The Socialists moved directly to a vote, which passed with their majority.

Analysts suggest the opposition’s tactic backfired, as it prevented them from publicly presenting their own stance on the government’s plan — which Rama had already promoted during the May 11 election campaign.

Context: In its letter to Parliament, DP also demands that the motion address organized crime’s influence on public life. The opposition argues that Albania is at a crucial stage in its EU integration path and that accountability and good governance are essential foundations for membership.

The request for a motion is expected to be reviewed in the next scheduled plenary session, with the date to be confirmed by the Speaker of Parliament.