Albanian Parliament votes to repeal Wartime Law with Greece
The Albanian Parliament unanimously approved a project declaration titled “On Strengthening Cooperation with the Republic of Greece and Repealing the Wartime Law.” The vote, with 96 members in support and none opposing or abstaining, signifies a significant advancement in bilateral relations between Albania and Greece.
Why is this relevant
Recognizing the shared commitment to deepen cooperation, the project declaration invites the Greek Parliament to support governmental efforts aimed at repealing the wartime law, echoing previous expressions of mutual political will by the Foreign Ministers of Greece.
It mandates the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to regularly update the Albanian Parliament and its Euro-Atlantic NATO and EU partners on systematic efforts, in collaboration with Greece, to resolve this longstanding issue.
Unlike the spirit of the “Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, Good Neighborliness and Security,” and the repeated mutual political will, Law No. 2636/40 on Wartime remains in force and continues to produce some of the negative effects that arise when states are in a state of war. The project declaration addresses the outdated wartime legislation acknowledged by both countries as incongruous with their current bilateral strategic relations.
Go deeper
Protest against SPAK: supporters of former president rally against corruption charges
Published on December 6, 2024
Why is this important: The protest highlights the sharp political divide surrounding Albania’s justice reform. Both the Freedom Party and the Democratic Party have publicly attacked the new justice system since investigations began against their leaders, Ilir Meta and Sali Berisha, for alleged corruption during their time in office. While opposition parties celebrate when justice targets figures in Prime Minister Edi Rama’s administration, they fiercely criticize and protest when inquiries focus on their own ranks. This duality has cast doubt on their stance toward judicial independence.
Demographic shifts change Albania’s electoral map: Tirana gains one MP as Korça loses one
Published on December 6, 2024
Why is this important: Tirana’s population concentration highlights its political importance, now accounting for over one-fourth of the Parliament’s 140 MPs. This dominance has prompted discussions, particularly among ruling Socialist Party officials, about introducing electronic voting in the capital to expedite election results. Advocates argue that electronic voting could produce results within an hour after polls close, bypassing the traditional lengthy process.
Albanian PM condemns media speculation over teen murder case, floats TikTok ban
Published on December 6, 2024