TIRANA, July 21 – When everything seemed to be heading to a smooth vote following Wednesday’s apparent deal by political leaders to vote the long-awaited justice reform in consensus, Thursday’s parliamentary session when a key vote has been scheduled is proving quite a different picture with the main three political parties unable to agree on one of the country’s main reforms that will transform the highly perceived corrupt judiciary and pave the way to the country’s EU accession talks.
The consensus formula proposed by EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn over the advisory role of the internationals in the vetting of judges and prosecutors as part of the reform has not yet been reflected on the final draft constitutional changes expected to be voted on Thursday while an earlier version not backed by the opposition is available for vote.
An apparent rift has also emerged in the ruling Socialist Party-led coalition following Wednesday night’s meeting of the ad hoc parliamentary committee on the justice reform which was boycotted by the ruling Socialist Party while their junior ally, the Socialist Movement for Integration, and the opposition Democratic Party were present.
The U.S. which backs a hybrid proposal made by Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland involving a decision-making role by internationals in the reform has called on MPs to vote individually for the reform, warning of consequences if they fail to pass the reform.
Negotiations for a possible consensual approval continue but there is no sign of consensus.
The constitutional changes need 94 votes in the 140-seat Parliament which the ruling coalition does not have on its own.
