TIRANA, June 11 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Ina Zhupa accused parliament on Thursday of fast-tracking non-essential legislation while delaying consideration of a proposal to repeal Albania’s law on protected areas.
Speaking during a plenary session, Zhupa referred to recent protests against a planned tourism development in Zvërnec and said demonstrators were demanding stronger protection of Albania’s natural and cultural heritage.
“The protesters are calling for the protection of protected areas, as well as the country’s natural and cultural heritage,” Zhupa said.
She said a draft law submitted on May 14 to repeal the protected areas legislation had yet to be scheduled for parliamentary review.
“The European Parliament called for the repeal of the protected areas law. The relevant draft law is the only item on the legislative calendar that still has no date for consideration,” Zhupa said, urging lawmakers to address what she described as pressing public concerns.
Zhupa also called on the ruling majority to respond to citizens’ demands, warning that public opposition to the project was growing.
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