TIRANA, April 26 – Speaker of Parliament Ilir Meta summoned political parties in an urgent meeting in the latest whirlwind attempt to solve the deadlock, but the opposition decided not to attend, thwarting the attempt by the leader of the junior ruling coalition partner.
The request was made following failed efforts by the two members of European Parliament, David McAllister and Knut Fleckenstein to mediate a deal between the ruling majority and the opposition.
The Democratic Party-led opposition did not accept proposals made by the two EU envoys and insisted on the establishment of a caretaker government to guarantee free and fair elections.
The possibility of breaking the political stalemate seems to be shifting further away, although Meta, often deemed as a kingmaker in Albania’s politics seems determined to sit parties together until a solution is found.
On Wednesday, Meta held several meetings with Prime Minister Edi Rama, U.S. Ambassador Donald Lu, Head of EU Delegation Romana Vlahutin and chairman of the OSCE Mission to Albania Bernd Borchardt.
The chairman of the opposition seems unwilling to take a step back from his demand. He refused several proposals made by Fleckenstein and McAllistar, including the possibility of postponing elections, and cabinet changes that would provide guarantees for free and fair elections and implementation of decriminalization law.
On Wednesday, Basha said that the opposition is not after government positions, or the president’s office.
“We are not willing to make any compromise that would harm free and fair elections. We have called for a technical government, a technical prime minister and ministers that enjoy the trust of all political parties. Edi Rama however refuses to part ways with his chair,” Basha said.
The parliament will convene Thursday for the third vote on the country’s new president, although parties have not come up with an official candidate.
The country seems to be headed towards complete failure which would automatically lead to snap elections.
In this scenario, elections would be held within 45 days and party registration deadlines would be reset, hence paving the way for all political entities to be registered for the polls.
