Albania’s Socialist ruling majority and extra-parliamentary opposition have agreed to discuss the constitutional changes pushed forward by the Socialist Party (PS).
One proposal relates the partial opening of MP candidate lists for voters to choose their preferred candidates. Another one related changes in the Electoral Code to effectively ban pre-electoral coalitions in their current form.
Following a stern statement directed to the PS by three MEPs yesterday, which was taken down and later replaced with a more lenient one, President Meta echoed the suggestion of an expert that proposals to change the Constitution go through the Political Council.
Prime Minister Edi Rama repeated his old proposal from the time of opposition protests last year, then the earthquake, coronavirus pandemic, to sit in talks in person with opposition leader Lulzim Basha.
The opposition replied that they were open to discuss any proposal regarding elections if it passes through the Political Council and while the previous agreement of this body is adopted in parliament.
PS representative Damian Gjiknuri sent a request to opposition members of the Political Council today, calling for a meeting on 19 or 20 July. He urged Democratic Party (PD) and Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI) leaders, Lulzim Basha and Monika Kryemadhi, to join the meeting together with Rama.
The opposition will participate in the meeting on July 19, 11.00 am, represented by secretary generals and not party leaders, to discuss new proposals, excluding what was already agreed.
