Administrative Court reverses decision to expel Democratic Party MPs from Parliament
The Administrative Court has annulled the decision to expel Democratic Party MPs from Parliament following the unrest during the September 30th plenary session, when opposition representatives burned chairs outside the Parliament premises. The ruling allows the MPs to return to parliamentary sessions effective immediately.
Why is this important: The court’s decision comes just one day after the Democrats announced an end to their protests and the blocking of parliamentary proceedings, opting instead to return to normal parliamentary activities. Several MPs were still facing suspensions lasting up to 40 or 60 days. With the court’s ruling, these MPs can now participate in the upcoming plenary session on Thursday, marking a significant step toward restoring parliamentary engagement.
Context: The court’s ruling was issued on Wednesday morning with immediate temporary execution, meaning it takes effect right away. The Ethics Secretariat had imposed penalties on October 2, suspending three Democratic Party MPs from Parliament for 60 days, another MP for 10 days, and others for 40 days.
Gazment Bardhi, head of the Democratic parliamentary group, hailed the decision as a validation of the MPs’ fight for constitutional order in Parliament. “This ruling demonstrates that the battle of the expelled MPs to restore constitutional rights in the Assembly is justified,” Bardhi stated.
The decision signals a crucial turning point for the Democratic Party as it seeks to shift from confrontational tactics to parliamentary participation while maintaining pressure on the ruling majority.
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