TIRANA, November 1 /ATA/ Chairwoman of the Commission for European Integration Jorida Tabaku reacted to the EU Progress Report for Albania arguing that there has been a lack of commitment on the part of the government and institutions for the reforms that should have been undertaken for European integration.
Thus, Tabaku said that the Parliament has failed to implement the Electoral Reform in accordance with the suggestions of the OSCE-ODIHR.
“This failure has happened because of the absence of the political will of the government to address all the problems in the course of the 11 years, with a reform that would have given credit to the Parliament, but which is unfortunately missing”, said Tabaku.
Tabaku emphasized that the Progress Report reveals that the decisions of the Constitutional Court were not observed in three cases.
Tabaku also said that the Progress Report shows a state captured by private interests.
“Albania has built a state captured by narrow private interests”, said Tabaku.
The progress report, Tabaku said, highlights “concerns about attacks on institutions that control public finances”.
The MP of the Democratic Party in opposition also said that the Progress Report highlights the deterioration of media freedom.
Further on, Tabaku touched on corruption.
“Corruption and market capture. There are concerns related to public concessions, the absence of mechanisms for foreign investments and a serious legal framework, misuse of natural resources”, said Tabaku.
Tabaku concluded her speech by underlining that Albania needs an integration process that will bring positive changes for Albanian citizens.
“Albania needs to fulfill these commitments. These are all the elements for which the opposition is protesting. I hope they turn the report into a work plan. We need an integration process that will curb emigration that has become the main concern. We need an integration process that will change the lives of Albanians. I hope it reflects who has to make decisions”, said Tabaku. /r.e/a.f/p.s./
