TIRANA, July 19 – Albania’s opposition Democratic Party requested during Thursday’s parliamentary session for the National Theatre law to go back to vote, and left the parliament when its request was denied.
The DP made the request through MP Edmond Spaho, and was denied by Vasilika Hysi.
“There was violations during the last voting session, one MP voted two times. Why steal votes when there is absolutely no need. If the law doesn’t go back to the vote, we will leave the hall,” Spaho said.
The opposition left the parliament after Hysi wished them a nice day.
Over the last week, the DP and a number of protesting actors have been calling on President Ilir Meta to veto the National Theatre draft-law, which was approved by the Socialist-led parliament last week after a number of accelerated procedures.
According to the opposition, the bill that foresees the construction of a new National Theatre as part of a high-rise commercial complex is not only unconstitutional, but also a way for the government to launder money coming from crime and corruption.
Asked about his decision by local media, Meta said that he is going over the draft-law and that he will be affected by no external factors, other than those allowed by the law and the constitution.
“I want to ensure you that in every decision I will not be affected by any external factors other than the President’s responsibilities in doing his duty,” Meta said.
Tirana’s Mayor Erion Veliaj, on the other hand, told media that he believes the good will to build a new, better National Theatre will be found and that Meta will decree the draft-law.
“I believe in the President as a person and as an institution. Ilir Meta is a very constructive person, who has always aimed for social peace, instead of fighting and chaos.
