Judicial reform adopted, Parliament unanimously adopted the reform with 140 votes
Around midnight of July 21, the Albanian Parliament ended their year and a half of discussions and adopted the Judicial Reform.
It was approved unanimously by all 140 MPs following lengthy talks, mediated by the US Ambassador, Donald Lu, and the EU Ambassador, Romana Vlahutin.
Seven hours of negotiations, due to last minute disagreements between the Majority and the Opposition over the appointment of judge and prosecutor panels, preceeded this historic moment, and increased the doubt that a consensual adoption of the reform would happen. The long-awaited reform adoption was praised by the Albanian MPs and the Ambassadors with a long round of applause.
Before the vote, MPs, on behalf of their Parliamentary groups, praised the consensus reached for the reform.
The first one to offer praise was the Chairman of ad hoc Commission, Fatmir Xhafaj. He highlighted the importance of the Judicial Reform and thanked the Opposition and partners for their contribution in finding consensus.
The Chairman of the Republican Party thanked the Ambassadors and international experts who helped in the realization of the reform.
He said, “After today’s adoption of constitutional amendments, it is necessary that that we adopt simple laws for the citizens. Consensus was the principle that we aimed for. The reform should serve the rule of law”.
The Party for Justice, Integrity and Unity MP, Mesila Doda, praised the reform adoption and added that its implementation is important for the citizens.
The Democrat MP and vice Chairman of the ad hoc Commission, Oerd Bylykbashi, said that these changes will give Albanians a better justice system. He added that consensus should continue for the bills coming up for adoption.
My. Bylykbashi thanked the partners and especially the Venice Commission for their contributions towards the reform.
Rama thanked the EU and US for the extraordinary role they played in reaching the final consensus. He repeated his thanks for the EU and US 5 times during his speech, without mentioning his ally Ilir Meta, or the Democratic Party. Mr. Meta was noted as not being present in the plenary session.
Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha, who was invited to follow the Plenary Session in the Assembly, considers the adoption of the Judicial Reform, a cornerstone in the fight against corruption. Despite his enthusiasm for consensus, the DP Chairman said that the first day of the reform’s implementation will be the end of the Rama- Meta government.
The draft amendments, -especially the two remaining disputed issues regarding the formula for electing Supreme Council of Justice and Supreme Council of Prosecution members, -were adopted yesterday thanks to consensus between the Democratic Party, the Socialist Party and the Socialist Movement for Integration.