German MP: We do not support it without judicial reform

Germany has issued the warning that Albania can lose it’s candidate status in the European Union if it does not adopt the judicial reform.

The German MP, Gunther Kirchbaum, of the Angela Merkel party, asked the Majority and the Opposition to read his appeal in the same way, adding that Germany’s patience has a limit.

“Our patience has a limit. The German government and Parliament support Albania’s path towards the EU. You already have the status of candidate country, but if we see that you do not want the reform, we can make a decision to remove the candidate country status. I hope that this is well understood by the government and the Opposition. I think that the Albanian people are fed up with crime and corruption. I can assure you that the European Union does not accept a country where crime and corruption are the topic of the day”-declared the German MP.

Mr. Kirchbaum did not clarify whether other EU countries have the same opinion as Germany.
There are concerns stemming from a comparison with countries, such as Macedonia, which has had an EU candidate status since 2005, and is not receiving warnings of withdrawal.

The German MP insisted on a consensual judicial reform and independent judiciary institutions. When asked by an Ora News journalist whether the Majority should ask of Opposition MPs, who already support the reform, in order to guarantee the needed 94 votes, the German MP expressed in favor of consensus.
“If 94 votes are needed to adopt a draft law, the government should contact the Opposition and find the necessary votes, as July 21st is coming”-he added.

The German Bundestag rep clarified that Germany will not support opening negotiations for Albania if the judicial reform is not adopted.