TIRANA, February 2 – As it was expected, Thursday’s deliberations of the Assembly were characterized by debates, accusations and harsh tones between the opposition and the majority, while the headline was the ‘McGonigal’ case. In few words with such was can be described the atmosphere that prevailed in the plenary session of the Assembly, where in almost 2 and a half hours opposition MPs clashed with the ‘Rama’ government.
Although an interpellation with Prime Minister Edi Rama was scheduled on the agenda, called by deputies of Enkelejd Alibeaj’s democratic group, the head of the government was absent from the session, delegating the “task” to the Minister for Relations with the Parliament, Elisa Spiropali. After such a communication was made by Speaker Lindita Nikolla brought about rising tension and debates in the hall.
The deputies of the Democratic Party (DP) blocked the rostrum several times, causing Nikolla to interrupt the session twice, but without any result in the end.
On the other hand, opposition MPs objected to Rama’s absence in the hall by hitting the tables with their hands and water cans, blocking the pulpit, or even further, by blowing whistles.
Triggered by this situation, Nikolla expelled Gazmend Bardhi from the hall, while warning others of the same disciplinary punishment.
Deputy Gazment Bardhi said that he had not asked for an interview with Spiropali, but with Rama. “I did not ask for interpellation with Spiropali, but with Rama. It is not Spiropali who has been caught bribing a high official, but Rama,” said Bardhi. According to him, Rama must give explanations and clarify the public opinion about where he found the money to bribe the FBI official.
But, despite the chaotic situation in the hall, Speaker Nikolla continued as usual with the approval of the agenda, passing the draft laws only with the votes of the majority. /Argumentum.al
