Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe raised concerns about the functioning of the fuel market in Albania, stating that oil traders may have abused with prices in the past.

He argued that fuel prices in the past have remained unchanged for long periods, despite movements on international stock exchanges.

Speaking about the recent changes reflected by the Transparency Board, Braçe appreciated positive the fact that this mechanism is reflecting price fluctuations in the market in more real time. And he demanded increased transparency from the board, emphasizing the need to publish the price of tax-free oil entering Albania, as well as analyze data on exports to Kosovo, in order to more clearly understand the market’s performance during the recent period.

Further on, Mundësia Party Chairman Agron Shehaj accused the government and the ruling majority of neglecting obligations to act in their own self-interest. He said that the fuel market is controlled by a single entity.

On his part, Chairman of the SP parliamentary group Taulant Balla rejected Agron Shehaj’s claim that the fuel market is controlled by a single entity, emphasizing that according to public data from the Ministry of Finance, it is a diversified market with several main operators and dozens of smaller ones.

Balla also accused the opposition MP of misusing Democratic Party data.

At the end of his speech, Balla also spoke about the relations with the US, evaluating highly the appointment of the new ambassador as an indicator of the strong partnership between the two countries. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

Attending the meeting was Chairman of the Democratic Party Parliamentary group Gazment Bardhi, Chairman of the Republican Party Fatmir Mediu, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Jorida Tabaku as well as MPs Albana Vokshi, Belind Këlliçi, Klevis Balliu and Ivi Kaso.

During the meeting, the opposition MPs stressed the need to strengthen the partnership between Albania and the United States of America.

“Albania, as a NATO member state and a candidate country for the European Union, must focus on real reforms that enhance security, democracy and good governance. The strategic partnership with the US must be strengthened on shared priorities. The US commitment to putting the fight against drug cartels and their associates at the top of the security agenda is good news for Albania,” the DP press release read. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

The opposition representatives exchanged their views on the latest developments in Albania and the regression that the country is making in terms of democracy and human rights. They discussed during these two meetings on topics like the fight against corruption and organized crime, free elections and the democratic functioning of institutions.

The opposition MPs requested the support of the IRI and NDI for the opposition and democratic processes in Albania.

“The fight against corruption and organized crime, free elections and the democratic functioning of institutions are issues of common interest. Albania values ​​the partnership with the USA and its support in bringing European standards to governance. IRI and NDI have helped Albania make progress in international standards of good governance over the years and I am happy to hear that they will continue to contribute in this direction. On behalf of the opposition, we thank them for their cooperation so far and for all the support they have provided over the years,” wrote Bardhi in the social media. /m.q/r.e/a.f/p.s./

Speaking at a meeting of the ruling Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, Rama said the phase leading up to the conclusion of negotiations requires greater involvement from a wider range of representatives.

The government head recalled that he had raised the issue earlier at the party’s National Assembly at the start of the current mandate, saying the information phase should receive greater attention from both parliament and the government.

Rama said this responsibility also extends to the leadership of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group and the ministers overseeing the negotiations.

“This is the stage before negotiations are concluded on any text. Much more work is needed to explain the process to the group and to listen to the group,” Rama said. “There needs to be far more mutual information so that all MPs, who due to their committee roles or expertise can contribute to the drafting process, are informed and welcomed to do so.”

Referring to the expanded parliamentary group meeting, Socialist leader said the format would continue on a monthly basis, focusing on specific issues and including a standing agenda item on ongoing and forthcoming draft negotiations.

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Speaking from Berlin, where he is attending the Global Dialogue forum, Rama joked that “Diella is pregnant and expecting 83 children” – referring to the 83 Socialist MPs who will each have their own AI-powered assistant.

He said the virtual aides will monitor parliamentary sessions, keep notes, and brief MPs on debates, legislative references, and mentions of their names during proceedings.

“These assistants will have their mother’s knowledge when it comes to EU legislation,” Rama said. “If you step out for coffee and miss part of the session, your assistant will tell you what was said in your absence – and whether someone mentioned you, so you can respond accordingly.”

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Two elected MPs, Tom Doshi and Sabina Jorgo of the Social Democratic Party, submitted their resignations before taking office.

The Temporary Commission for Mandate Verification confirmed the names and mandates of the incoming MPs. Commission representative Milva Ekonomi said Parliament will notify the Central Election Commission (CEC) within 30 days to fill the resulting vacancies.

At the plenary session on Friday afternoon, Vasil Llajo, a Socialist MP from Vlora, read the official oath of office, which was repeated in unison by all present lawmakers.

In the new parliament, the Socialist Party holds 83 seats, the Democratic Party – “Magnificent Albania Alliance” coalition has 50, while the remaining seven seats are split among smaller parties.

Of the 140-member chamber, 72 are first-time MPs, with backgrounds ranging from law and economics to medicine, science, engineering, the arts, and business. Twenty-five hold doctoral degrees, and five are university professors.

The session continued with the vote on Socialist MP Niko Peleshi as Speaker of Parliament.

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Through a presentation video, Rama also highlighted the Parliamentary experience of each SP MP belonging to the Tirana region list, writing the respective mandates for each of them.

In the May 11 Parliamentary elections, the Socialist Party received 19 MPs in the Tirana region, 12 of whom ran on the closed list and 7 others competed on an open list.

Tirana region

Closed List

Edi Rama, 4 mandates

Ogerta Manastirliu, 3 mandates

Elisa Spiropali, 3 mandates

Lindita Nikolla, 4 mandates

Taulant Balla, 6 mandates

Adea Pirdeni, 1 mandate

Albana Koçiu, 1 mandate

Igli Hasani, 1 mandate

Delina Ibrahimaj, 1 mandate

Ilva Gjuzi, 1 mandate

Iris Luarasi, 1 mandate

Erjon Malaj, 1 mandate

Open List

Blendi Gonxhja, 1 mandate

Erion Braçe, 9 mandates

Ervin Hoxha 1 mandate

Fatmir Xhafaj, 5 mandates

Ornaldo Rakipi 2 mandates

Anila Denaj 2 mandates

Olta Xhaçka 5 mandates

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Kosovo’s new Parliament was officially constituted after lawmakers approved the verification of MP mandates following a consultative meeting on Saturday morning, with all political parties agreeing to vote in the report by the temporary committee on verification of the mandates.

The report was turned down by the opposition parties in the inaugural session of Kosovo’s new Parliament, with the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) arguing that members of the caretaker government, who were elected as MPs, must formally resign before they can be sworn in.

The swearing-in clears the way for vote to elect parliament speaker and the deputy speakers.

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The move comes after the tragic death of the 14-year-old student Martin Cani a few meters from Fan Noli school in Tirana last month.

The special committee will focus on evaluating the current state of child safety laws and coordinating efforts to overhaul the country’s legislation, child safety policies and reform the relevant institutions tasked with child safety.

According to lawmakers, serious actions and reforms are needed to tackle child safety and wellbeing issues in the country.

Over the next year, it will assess all sectors affecting children’s well-being, create a national strategy, and recommend legal and institutional changes.

“We, the signatories of this proposal, call for establishment of a special parliamentary committee tasked with drafting a national strategy, called Pact for Children. The document should serve as cohesive and contemporary platform to address current needs and provide solutions coinciding with the citizens’ highest interests,” the opposition MPs said in a statement.

The proposal was signed by several MPs, including Flutura Açka, Enkelejd Alibeaj, Dashamir Shehi, Merita Bakiu, Arbi Agalliu.

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A parliamentary audit group has estimated that the material damage caused by opposition MPs in parliament on September 30 totaled 764 922 lek.

A financial assessment obtained by the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) details the fines for the involved MPs.

The opposition lawmakers involved in significant destruction, including broken furniture, damaged microphones, and torn parliamentary carpets, are Gazment Bardhi, Flamur Noka, Bledjon Nallbati and Elda Hoti.

If these MPs fail to settle the charges by the November 20 deadline, the amounts will be deducted from their monthly salaries in two installments.

After the chaotic plenary session, the Ethics Secretariat of parliament has imposed 60-day suspensions on Bardhi, Noka, and Nallbati, while 19 other MPs, including Saimir Korreshi and Agron Gjekmarkaj, have been suspended for 40 days.

Gazment Bardhi, the Chairman of DP parliamentary group, must pay 209,000 lek, MPs Flamur Noka and Bledion Nallbati are each fined 187,000 lek, and MP Elda Hoti faces a fine of 180,000 lek.

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