The initiative of the SP, the US and the EU insist on the need for a comprehensive process

2024-06-01 15:36:00, Aktualitet CNA

The initiative of the SP, the US and the EU insist on the need for a

In Albania, the American embassy and the Delegation of the European Union insist on the need for inclusiveness in the process through which the socialist majority of Prime Minister Edi Rama aims to implement a new cycle of reforms that will have to deal with the problems of good governance, the rule of law and the fight against corruption. The two main diplomatic missions in Tirana commented for "Voice of America" ??the steps taken in the parliament for this initiative, where within four days the resolution was approved and then the establishment of a special commission. The American embassy "notices the haste with which the resolution and decision were passed in parliament". While the EU Delegation, for its part, points out the fact that the establishment of the commission was done "without the support of the opposition". The latter expressed open skepticism towards this initiative and in both cases chose to boycott their vote in parliament.

Both in the resolution and in the scope of work of the Special Commission, there is talk of an in-depth reform process "to improve and consolidate good governance practices at all levels", for "a deeper fight against corruption" and "strengthening further enforcement of the law". The Commission will have to carry out "an assessment and analysis of the situation in the three areas" and then move on to "drafting and approving a long-term and sustainable Action Plan, recommending concrete measures for possible legal and institutional changes ".

Although in the documents she proposed, most talk about an inclusive process accompanied by extensive consultations, the way she moved quickly, in the face of an opposition that was criticizing her steps, seems to have made both the American embassy and the Delegation of the EU, to forcefully learn from this moment. "We believe that the proposed process requires a coordinated, comprehensive discussion with all actors, which is key to the success of the work of the special commission", states the American embassy, ??noting that something like this will also be "key and for our support for him".

While the EU Delegation emphasizes that "meaningful and comprehensive consultations are as necessary as ever, considering the essential importance of the issues addressed by this initiative. It will be essential to achieve cross-party support". According to the European delegation "it is vital that the proposed parliamentary process is evidence-based, transparent, enjoys strong cross-party support and relies on comprehensive and meaningful consultation with all institutions and stakeholders, including and civil society".

The debates that have accompanied the Socialists' initiative have fueled concerns about possible interference in the Justice Reform, which had the US and the EU as its powerful sponsors. In the approved documents, the socialists pledge to guarantee the "irreversibility" of this reform. And yet, the American embassy in its comments to "Voice of America" ??states that "we stress the commitments undertaken within the measures approved in parliament for the irreversibility of the Reform in Justice, commitments which recognize the constitutional pillars and principles that are the foundation of the Reform in Justice adopted in 2016. This includes the independence and impartiality of justice institutions and the self-governance of the justice system. These principles are key to the work of the special commission to advance good governance, the fight against corruption and the rule of law." Even the EU Delegation points out that "the main principle should be the irreversibility of the 2016 Justice Reform".

The majority states that the process will be "guided by the findings and recommendations of the European Union's reports and the Screening report of the European Commission for the first group chapter". The EU delegation, for its part, underlines that "the initiative must be based on the previous achievements of the reform and be in accordance with the constitutional principle of checks and balances, with the findings of the reports of the analytical review of the legislation and with the commitments within the EU accession process. It must fully respect the existing relations between the Assembly and independent institutions, as guaranteed by the Constitution".

It remains to be seen whether the majority will try to involve the opposition in this process, which must be represented by 5 of the 11 members of the commission, or whether it will continue alone to advance its initiative./ VOA