TIRANA, 20 February – The Assembly of Albania held a marathon session that ended at 04:15 on Friday. MPs approved two draft laws and five resolutions, including the election of four members to the Bank of Albania Supervisory Council.

Selami Xhepa was elected with 74 votes in favor and 16 against. Holta Zaçaj received 72 votes for, 19 against, and 1 abstention. Ervin Mete was approved with 74 votes for and 17 against. Jonida Prifti received 73 votes for and 18 against.

Matilda Shehu’s nomination will be voted in a separate session, following a request from the leader of the ruling parliamentary group.

The session also approved the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs draft law. It requires mandatory testing for diplomats within 12 months of the law’s entry into force. MPs passed it with 75 votes for, 15 against, and 1 abstention.

Parliament debated several other draft laws. The proposals on cultural heritage, excise changes, higher education, value-added tax, miner status, and mandatory food contaminant testing were all rejected after discussion. Voting ranged from 73 to 75 against and 17 in favor, with occasional abstentions.

The plenary session concluded after a full agenda and consecutive votes.

/a.p./