EP hearing on Albania/ Kovatchev: Functional opposition missing, urgent intervention against corruption

At the hearing on Albania in the European Parliament, MEP Andrey Kovatchev stressed the urgent need for new efforts in the fight against corruption and in guaranteeing an independent judiciary. He also raised the alarm about the lack of a functional opposition in Albania.

Kovatchev expressed concern about the political polarization in the country and the illegal practices evidenced during the May 11 elections, such as vote buying and misuse of public resources by the majority.

Kovatchev strongly emphasized the importance of a functional opposition and called for the implementation of OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, as well as respect for the rule of law to advance towards European integration.

Kovatchev : In this regard, I would like to emphasize the urgent need for further efforts, especially in the fight against corruption and ensuring the independence and proper functioning of the judicial system, free from undue influence and interference.

Free and independent media. Albania’s political system remains deeply polarized and fragmented, with worrying clashes between the ruling majority and the opposition. This became evident in the run-up to and during the May 11 parliamentary elections, with illegal practices and ongoing challenges, particularly vote buying and misuse of public resources by the ruling party, highlighted by international observers.

A functioning opposition and genuine political pluralism are vital to the health of any democratic system. I therefore call on the authorities to take decisive action to implement all OSCE/ODIHR final recommendations and to address the complaints and signals received during the electoral process.

Albanian authorities must respect the rule of law and ensure the separation of powers in order to progress further on their path towards the European Union.

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