TIRANA, March 4 /ATA/ The Chairman of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, emphasized that the Parliament’s autonomy to decide on its rules is clearly outlined in the Constitution.
In a televised interview regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision on the amendments to the rules adopted through a fast-track procedure in September, Balla stated that the Constitution clearly defines how the Parliament organizes its work and approves its rules.
Balla stated that the decisions of the Constitutional Court are binding and will be respected.
He also announced that the Socialist Party has re-submitted the proposed changes for the restructuring of the parliamentary committees, arguing that the 6-month experience since the September approval has shown that the increase in the number of committees from 8 to 11 has resulted in more flexibility, more effective discussions in committees due to the reduced number of members, and a clearer role for the permanent committees.
Balla emphasized that the revamp of parliamentary committee system growing from 8 to 11 committees has improved Parliament’s efficiency, especially in the context of European integration. He also noted that recent amendments to the law on Parliament’s role in EU accession allow for expedited procedures for aligning laws with EU legislation, but only in exceptional cases, not for all draft laws.
Balla endorsed the proposal to reduce speaking time for MPs in plenary sessions from 10 to 5 minutes, emphasizing that it aligns with the European average and enhances time efficiency. He also noted that for key debates, like the budget or government program, different time limits would apply.
He also dismissed claims of increased control over independent institutions, clarifying that the role of relevant committees remains unchanged. He explained that the new “Civic Initiative and Monitoring” committee would add an assessment filter for recommendations without encroaching on the authority of other parliamentary committees.
Balla underscored that a notable shortcoming has been the lack of post-legislative control, emphasizing that the Parliament must ensure the effective implementation of the laws it passes. He further stated that institutional inspections are a common practice in parliamentary systems internationally. Regarding the report on the request from the Special Prosecution (SPAK) concerning former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, Balla confirmed that the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party would adhere to the two-week deadline stipulated in the Rules of Procedure for preparing and submitting the report to the Parliament.
Balla confirmed that work is ongoing on the report, which will be submitted on time. He mentioned that all 83 Socialist Party deputies will be briefed before the report is presented in a plenary session, ensuring full transparency and adherence to the Rules of Procedure.
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