TIRANA – President Ilir Meta has said he wished all parties would respect the agreement on the electoral reform as Albania is in a critical situation, but he did not want to prejudge what one or another party would do.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday Meta accepted that the accord, which was signed on June 5 this year through the mediation of the US, UK and EU ambassadors, lacks enough in its content.
“But we are aware that we are in a critical situation of deep non-confidence and serious problems of the legitimacy of the institutions, first and foremost of the Parliament itself,” he said.
The President mentioned the concerns of the European partners which have done a lot to leave open the door for Albania. “But if the door closes I believe that all Albanians will realize who is responsible for this question,” he said, calling for reflection by all political forces.
Touching upon the ruling expected to be made by the Venice Commission, which convened on Friday in a session to discuss the opinion on the Constitutional Court, President Meta said he had never waited for the verdicts of Venice Commission to act as president.
“I have never waited for the verdict of the Venice Commission for the decisions I have made as the president of the Republic, as I have respected the constitution of Albania,” he said, noting that the country’s bill was made according to the recommendations of Venice itself. “I hope Venice maintains its integrity.”
Turning to economic questions, President Meta was worried over the public debt increase saying that money borrowing should be kept under control. He was determined to return to Parliament what he called every unconstitutional law asking for his decree.
According to him, small business should be backed, while drawing attention to the fact that Albania had a high public debt which is growing ever more. Meta said public interest and the finances of the state should be defended above all. /argumentum.al
