EU slams Albanian opposition, tells them to get on with justice reform and prepare for elections – amid parliamentary boycott

Brussels | Tirana Echo – The European Union has slammed Albania’s opposition democrats asking them to stop their parliamentary boycott and get on with justice reform and register for upcoming June elections.

A joint statement from by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn on the latest developments in Albania, says the EU regrets the parliamentary boycott in Albania and that the opposition has not yet registered to participate in the elections, adding that the political debate should not take place outside, but inside the parliament according to democratic practise.

“We once again urge all political leaders to act responsibly, with respect for institutions, and pave the way for democratic elections, in line with international standards. Citizens deserve responsible leadership,” – reads the statement.
The EU’s high officials say that justice reform in Albania has once again come under attack, calling on all parties to complete the formation of the vetting institutions.

“Attacking the judicial reform rather than ensuring implementation of vetting, with close monitoring of the International Monitoring Operation, harms Albania’s present and future. We expect that Members of the Parliament will show responsibility, capacity to act within the democratic legitimate institutional framework, and that they stand by the people of Albania, who continue to demand that the vetting is launched and the judiciary eventually reformed, also as a crucial step for the country to join the European Union.” – say Mogherini and Hahn on their joint statement.

The strong statement from Brussels comes hours after Democratic Party chair Lulzim Basha accused EU diplomats of meddling in Albania’s internal matters to the favor of Prime Minister Edi Rama and called the current Vetting of the country’s judges and prosecutors a mafia style affair.

Mogherini and Hahn join calls already made by MEPs Knut Fleckenstein and Eduard Kukan who have also condemned the parliamentary boycott of the opposition which is currently demanding PM Rama’s resignation and the establishment of a technical government which would guarantee free and fair elections.