TIRANA, May 8 – After a marathon session, the Albanian Parliament approved several draft laws and key decisions. Lawmakers also adopted a normative act that reduces fuel excise duty.

The act passed with 85 votes in favour and 25 against. It sets a rule for retail prices. If diesel exceeds 220 ALL per litre or petrol exceeds 200 ALL per litre, authorities apply 80% of the excise duty level.

Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the voting session. Earlier, Democratic Party deputies had requested an interpellation with him. However, the chamber rejected a direct interpellation with the prime minister. This decision triggered tensions in the plenary hall. The opposition then demanded Speaker Niko Peleshi’s resignation. They accused him of violating the rules of procedure and the Constitution.

Speaker Niko Peleshi opened the session with a minute of silence. Lawmakers honoured former Speaker Servet Pëllumbi after his death. The Parliament then approved the previous session’s minutes. It also presented the agenda.

Debates continued with an interpellation request for Prime Minister Edi Rama. He assigned the reply to Minister of State for Parliamentary Relations Erjona Ismaili. The session also included an interpellation with Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Later, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja answered questions from opposition MP Ina Zhupa.

Parliament approved the Normative Act on excise duties with 85 votes in favour and 25 against. Lawmakers also backed the IPA cross-border cooperation programme Montenegro–Albania 2021–2027. That measure passed with 108 votes in favour and 1 abstention.

MPs adopted amendments to the law on citizenship. Taulant Balla presented the changes. Parliament also passed amendments to the law on inspection in Albania. It further approved a draft law on electronic identification, trusted services, and the digital identity wallet. Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented that package.

The opposition failed to pass several proposals. These included changes to national taxes and excise duties. MPs also rejected a proposal on crisis response for fuel supply and prices. Enno Bozdo submitted that initiative.

Parliament also voted on independent institutions. Ahmet Prençi became Commissioner of the Ombudsman for the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture. Alma Faskaj took the role of Commissioner for Children’s Rights. Genta Tafa became Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. Merita Bejtja became Inspector General of the Bank of Albania.

In conclusion, lawmakers approved the structure of the Regulatory Entity for Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment. The plenary session ended at around 00:35 after hours of debate and political clashes.

/a.p./