TIRANA, July 16/ATA/ Chairman of the Democratic Party Sali Berisha stated today that the ruling Socialist Party has reversed its previous position and is pushing forward with the Administrative-Territorial Reform unilaterally.
Speaking in a press conference, Berisha said that, according to him, the territorial reform process has been interrupted and that the foreseen consultations have not been completed.
“The Socialist Party has changed its stance and seeks to approve it without the Democratic Party. We conclude that the process is being interrupted. The foreseen and approved consultations, in line with the rules have not been completed,” Berisha said.
He praised the work of the co-chair of the Special Committee for the Administrative-Territorial Reform Luciano Boçi and said that the DP has requested that the process should be assisted by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
Berisha also thanked the Swiss government, the Swiss Embassy in Tirana and the European Union representation for their interest and support for the reform.
According to the DP leader, the ruling majority is trying to ensure that the process continues without international assistance, while emphasizing that the opposition has its own platform for territorial reform.
Regarding the Electoral Reform and the protesters’ demands for changes in the electoral system, including open lists, Berisha stated that the Democratic Party supports these demands.
“As you are aware, Edi Rama is determined not to accept any demand of the youth civic protest. Meanwhile, we have supported all their demands. So, here there is a big difference between us and them”, said Berisha.
He added that the DP will continue to oppose the territorial reform variant presented by the majority, emphasizing that the opposition will make its efforts on this issue. /gj.m/ /a.g/p.s./
