TIRANA, Dec. 21 – In a rare show of political consensus, Albanian lawmakers have approved a law banning people with criminal convictions from holding elected and other high public offices.
The bill, better known as “the decriminalization law,” received a near-unanimous 132 out of 140 votes and came following months of discussion after it came to light that several people elected to public office had criminal convictions in Albania and abroad.
The opposition has often accused the ruling coalition of allowing people with criminal ties to enter politics at the national and local levels.
Under the new law, anyone who has a felony criminal conviction will be banned from holding elected office or from serving in any constitutional institution and in senior positions of the public administration. Lower-level civil service employees and military personnel are excluded from the law.
The law requires some constitutional amendments to reach its full effect, and these are to take place at a later date. They can be done with the high number of votes the bill received in parliament.
President Bujar Nishani signed the bill shortly after its approval in parliament, meaning the law is now in effect.
The delegation of the European Union and the U.S. Embassy issued statements of support following the passing of the bill.
The U.S. Embassy said it welcomed “the courageous decision” of the Albanian Parliament to pass the law on decriminalization.
“This law is the toughest law in Europe against criminals in politics. While it is the result of the hard work by both the majority and the opposition, ultimately it is a victory for the Albanian people who want clean government and an end to corruption. While much work still remains in Albania’s fight against crime and corruption, this law represents a bold step i reducing the influence of criminal elements in the country,” the embassy statement said.
The EU Delegation also welcomed “the important and unanimous decision” which is “expected to strengthen the Rule of Law, enhance integrity among public officials, boost the fight against corruption, but also increase citizens’ confidence in the functioning of the State and its institutions.”
“We call again on all political parties to engage in constructive dialogue on all of Albania’s further very delicate reform challenges, above all the Justice Reform. Progress in the reform agenda is crucial to further the entrenchment of the Rule of law and to move the country forward on its path toward European integration,” said its statement.
EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn also reacted on the law as he was one who mediated between the Albanian political groupings a year ago to urge them agree on passing that.
“This legislative development is expected to further strengthen the rule of law, enhance integrity among public officials, boost fight against corruption, but also increase citizens’ confidence in the functioning of the state and its institutions,” said Hahn. “Progress on the reform agenda is important to move the country forward on its path toward European integration, as well as to further guarantee the entrenchment of the rule of law.”
