The discussion focused on Albanian-German relations and the need to fully exploit their considerable potential, as well as the importance of an even stronger German engagement in the Western Balkans.

Minister Hoxha and MP Beyer discussed recent developments in Albania and the progress of the European Union accession process. In the context of strategic developments in Europe, they emphasized the importance of maintaining a credible, merit-based enlargement process.

The conversation also covered the evolving situation in the Western Balkans, with particular attention given to the recent elections in Serbia and their impact on regional stability and European integration. Minister Hoxha expressed gratitude for Beyer’s friendship toward Albania, his keen interest in the Western Balkans and his consistent commitment to the region’s European future. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

The event was organized by the Parliament of Croatia, RACVIAC, DCAF and OSCE ODIHR, bringing together MPs, experts and representatives of security institutions from the countries of the region.

During the proceedings of the meeting, the participants discussed on the latest developments in the security environment in Southeast Europe and beyond, new challenges related to regional stability, hybrid threats, cybersecurity, as well as the need to strengthen cooperation between the countries of the region in addressing common challenges.

The discussions prioritized strengthening Parliamentary oversight of security and defense, improving accountability mechanisms and increasing the transparency of national security institutions.

Participation in this regional forum served as an important opportunity for the exchange of Parliamentary experiences and best practices, as well as for strengthening inter-Parliamentary cooperation. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

During the meeting, the interlocutors also discussed on promotion of cooperation between the Assembly of Albania and the House of Commons.

“Exchanging experience with the House of Commons is vital for raising standards of representation, fostering constituent trust and strengthening ethical, transparent governance”, said Balla.

He expressed gratitude for the support over the years of the “Westminster Foundation for Democracy” to the Assembly of Albania, emphasizing that “the contribution of the WFD has been valuable in strengthening Parliamentary practices and consolidating democratic institutions in the country”. /m.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./

Speaking at the Commission on Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight, Komici said the legislation seeks to address legal ambiguities and fill gaps identified during judicial reform, enhancing effectiveness, transparency, and integrity in the governance of the justice system.

The 38-article bill, aligned with European Commission recommendations, proposes that non-magistrate members undergo thorough vetting similar to that applied to judges and prosecutors.

The process includes candidate evaluation by the Ombudsman, detailed checks by an independent ad hoc commission, and final review by the Parliament’s Secretary General.

Komici said the measure aims to ensure parity between magistrate and non-magistrate members and to uphold institutional integrity across the judiciary.

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Chairwoman of the committee Anila Denaj welcomed the presence of the MP with the child, appreciating it as a good omen for the spirit of sustainable development and for the objectives related to gender equality.

“Mrs. Gjuzi, I hope it will be in the spirit of sustainable development, that which is related to gender equality and your presence with the child here fits best”, said Denaj.

Baby care did not prevent Socialist lawmaker Gjuzi, elected for the first time in this legislature, from participating in the discussions on the constitution of the Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development. /e.i/r.e/p.s./

During the event, where the prime minister, also the Socialist leader Edi Rama was present, Muzhaqi said that this is a challenge because today begins a new journey for all applicants as they will now get to know how to work to build a public image, which will to be an added value for the ruling Socialist Party.

“It appeals to all those who believe they can give more; to young people who want to challenge politicians from the screens; to women and girls who fight for equality; to professionals who have knowledge and experience to share and to everyone who want to contribute to a better Albania, the “MP We Want” platform is always open”, said Muzhaqi.

“After this meeting, you will start your work on the ground, talking to citizens and creating a public profile worthy of being represented in politics. You will show what you represent and why you should be the ones who should represent the Albanians, your community. This will be an added value for the Socialist Party and Albania”, said Muzhaqi.

“Not all of you will be part of the list of SP candidates, as the 470 current applicants would be more than three assemblies together; therefore the challenge is great and the competition high”, – said Muzhaqi. /p.s./

After graduating from “Harry Fultz” high school with excellent results and a ‘Gold Medal’, Bogdani continued his higher studies at the Polytechnic University of New York, where he graduated with ‘Highest Honors’ (Summa Cum Laude). being also announced as the winner of the Outstanding Graduate Award – ‘Gold Medal’.

Then he returned to Albania starting his professional career in the academic field at the University of New York – Tirana. He is the founder and leader of the Network of Albanian Students in the World.

He started his political career in 2007; he ran with the Democratic Party for Mayor of Municipal Unit no. 10 Tirana, a race which he won.

During this time, he also continued his activity as a political spokesperson of the Democratic Party. In 2009, at the age of 29, Gerti Bogdani ran in the Parliamentary Elections of June 28, 2009, and was elected the youngest MP in the Assembly of Albania. From 2009 onwards, he continued his activity as Chairman of the Youth Forum of the Democratic Party.

In 2011, he was elected vice president of the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU) and then, in January 2012, vice president.

In September 2015, he was elected Chairman of IYDU, at the Congress held in Lisbon, Portugal, thus becoming the first Albanian politician to hold such a high position in an international organization.

After years of active engagement in the leadership structures, in the 2019 elections, he became the most voted member of the Leading Board of the Democratic Party, with over 70% of the votes.

In 2022, he competed in the DP primaries to be a candidate for the Tirana race.

Gert Bogdani was married to the activist Edlira Çepani and is the father of Ajra and Reinart. /a.f/p.s./

Addressing the interpellation session with Health Minister Albana Koçiu in parliament, the opposition lawmaker Gjergji said that “last week, everyone realized that the free healthcare image finally collapsed.”

“Free healthcare for all has now succumbed to the cancer, right where this disease is supposed to be fought, at the Oncology hospital halls and rooms,” she said.

“Ironically, the tax-funded healthcare system gave last breath because of the metastasis that has spread throughout the health system; corruption. After the autopsy of the free healthcare, we saw that the cause was the corruption practices of the government, the cabinet members, former cabinet members, directors and former directors, coordinators and now the doctors themselves, with their white coat often tainted by the political propaganda to divert the citizens’ attention from the truth behind this failure,” Gjergji stated.

According to her, the Prime Minister and the Health Minister are to be blamed for the current situation in the country’s health system.

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The Constitutional Court decided today to overturn the point that provided for the exclusion from the plenary session for 10, 20 or 30 days of the MPs, when they used violence against other MPs, leaving the 10-day measure in effect. According to the Constitutional Court, this point of Article 65/1 can be used arbitrarily by the lawmakers, applying different punitive measures for similar cases. Also, when the MP uses pyrotechnics, smoke or paints, the 60-day exclusion measure remains in force. Also, the point, which determined the exclusion of the MPs for a certain period of time from all Parliamentary activities, has been abolished.

First of all, the Constitutional Court considered the question of its jurisdiction to examine such a case. Given that the claims presented are not only related to the rights of the MP as an individual, but to the exercise of his function as a representative of the people, the Court, on its own initiative, considered the case in the direction of respecting the principle of representation, which provides for the exercise of the sovereignty of the people through its representatives, as well as the principle of proportionality, in terms of the appropriateness and severity of disciplinary measures, and for this reason, reached the conclusion, unanimously, that it has jurisdiction for examining the concrete case in terms of preserving the constitutional principles and values, the protection of which is the main function of this Court./p.s./

The UK delegation was concerned to learn about the recent disruptions in the Albanian Parliament. They emphasized the importance of cross-party cooperation, and the role of committees to scrutinize legislation and the actions of the Government.

The delegation met Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the Foreign Affairs and of the National Security Committees of the Albanian Parliament to discuss oversight and scrutiny of legislation and the Government’s activities.

They also had meetings with representatives of the Government, Foreign Minister Igli Hasani, Deputy Minister of Finance Olta Manjani and Minister of State for Local Government Arbjan Mazniku, for a wide-ranging overview of the government’s policy agenda and the way in which government interacts with Parliament in Albania./p.s./