Parliament approves new structure amid opposition walkout

Albania’s parliament approved changes to its internal rules and adopted a new structure with 79 votes from the majority, after opposition MPs left the chamber in protest.

Why is this important: With the Socialist proposal, parliament will now have 11 standing committees instead of 8, which the majority argues will make its work more efficient, especially as Albania advances in its EU accession process.

Context: The opposition strongly opposed both the procedure and the content of the changes, arguing they were pushed through in an unconstitutional manner.

Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha accused the majority of undermining the Constitution:

“Millions of Albanians must have the Constitution as their book, their shield, but for you it is a prostitute and has no value.”

Democratic MP Gazment Bardhi also criticized the move:

“For the first time, changes to parliament’s rules and structure are dictated by the head of the executive.”

Socialists responded by citing precedents when Democrats themselves requested expedited rule changes in 2017. Socialist floor leader Taulant Balla defended the majority’s decision:

“They want to delay another 10 days, but we have no time to lose. Let them come to the committees and work.”

What else: Beyond procedural objections, opposition MPs also rejected the reformatting of the committees — particularly what they call the “dissolution” of the European Affairs Committee, which Socialists argue is being elevated to a higher level to match EU negotiation needs.

What’s next: Democrats announced they will take the procedure followed in today’s vote to the Constitutional Court.