Fleckenstein: DP must return to Parliament, the creation of a technocrat government is not the end of the world

Fleckenstein: DP must return to Parliament, the creation of a technocrat government is not the end of the world
“DP must return to Parliament, the creation of a technocrat government is not the end of the world”

German MEP, Knut Fleckenstein, Albania’s rapporteur in the European Parliament, talks about Albanian Free Press readers.

In an exclusive interview given yesterday (29.03), Mr. Fleckenstein answered to Albanian Free Press’ questions on the latest political developments in the country and neighboring Macedonia

 Albania’s rapporteur in the European Parliament, the German MEP, Knut Fleckenstein, says that it’s not the end of the world if the country forms a technocrat government, but this must be discussed by the political parties in Albania. Usually, the majority is elected to govern for four years, until the next elections and not for less. But this is a decision for the political parties in Albania and it should not be a decision from anybody in the European Parliament”, Mr. Fleckenstein explains.

For a while now, Knut Fleckenstein has been closely following the political developments in our country and he has often held visits and had meetings with senior officials in Tirana. Fleckenstein is also the vice chairman of the Progressive Alliance of the Socialist and Democrat Alliance in this institution, while he represents the German Social Democratic Party. At the same time, he is also a member of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee.

Stopping on the parliamentary boycott of the Albanian opposition and on its protest, which has been going on for the past 40 days, Mr. Fleckenstein demands the opposition to return to Parliament, “because MPs are voted to work in Parliament and their ideas are needed” On the other hand, he adds, as long as it’s peaceful, a protest is the right of everyone, so the one doesn’t necessarily have to do with the other.  “But parliamentarians are voted to work in Parliament”, he reinforces his appeal for the opposition leader.  

 Interviewed for Albanian Free Press by Eglantina NASI

 It's been 40 days that the opposition has been protesting in the tent. Its demand is non-negotiable: Resignation of Prime Minister Rama government and a technocrat government to administer the elections. This is why it has boycotted parliament. How do you view these conditions?

In terms of these conditions, I don’t want to suggest anything to the political parties. But I would like to ask the opposition to go back to Parliament, because Members of Parliament are elected to work in the Parliament and their ideas are needed.  On the other hand, as long as it’s peaceful, a protest is the right of everyone, so the one doesn’t necessarily have to do with the other.  But parliamentarians are voted to work in Parliament.

You say that that "the only thing that you don't agree with is parliamentary boycott".  Does this mean that if the opposition enters parliament, its demands must be addressed?

No, it means that their demands can be discussed.  I personally know the situation in Macedonia and a caretaking government was really needed, but I don’t see the situation being the same in Albania. This is up to the parties in Albania to discuss. It’s also up to the parties to decide which demands of the opposition must be met in order for it to take part in the elections. But these are things that should be discussed between the sides in parliament.

 What happens if a technocrat government, which will prepare parliamentary elections, is formed?

Of course it’s not the end of the world, but this has to be discussed between the parties in Albania. Usually, the majority is elected to govern for four years, until the next elections and not for less. But this is a decision for the political parties in Albania and it should not be a decision from anybody in the European Parliament.

The opposition says that it will not even participate in the May local government elections or the June 18 parliamentary elections. How will this situation be solved?

 On one hand, you can’t force political parties to participate in the elections. On the other hand, if you vote for a new government and the main opposition party is no longer in the game, this is not a very good situation to be in. So, it should be possible, I hope, to convince the Democratic Party to participate in the elections by making the necessary amendments to the Electoral Code.

How do you consider the work done by Edi Rama’s government during this four year term in office?

 I am very happy that the judicial reform was adopted thanks to the contribution of both the government and the opposition. It was a joint effort. Although there has been a lot of progress, I also see that there’s still a lot of work to be done in the fight against corruption, judicial reform and the fight against organized crime. There’s no doubt that progress has been made, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.

There's no solution yet about the judicial reform. Do you think that the political climate in general is having an impact in the process of European integration? What would you suggest to Albanian politicians?

I suggest for them to talk to each other, to trust each other and collaborate with each other, because the outcome will be positive. We may never know if the elections were good or bad, fair or not fair if elections are not held.

If the judicial reform is implemented, when do you think Albania will become part of the EU?

 Nobody can tell this, because it is not only the judiciary reform, but it’s also the fight against corruption, fight against organized crime and so on. I think that we should offer our support to the government that will come out of the elections, whichever government this is, in order for this government to undertake the necessary reforms.

Our neighboring country, Macedonia is also facing a political crisis. What do you recommend to political sides in Skopje?

 The suggestions for Skopje are very clear. There were fair and free elections, the outcome is very clear and it’s acknowledged by all the sides. One of the two main Macedonian parties agreed to a coalition and now we have to wait and see if they manage to get 67 seats in parliament. I hope that they get to form a government as soon as possible, not because I like them most, but because they were able to form a coalition.

 Mr. Fleckenstein, thank you for this interview given for Albanian Free Press and we soon look forward to a second interview.

I would also like to thank you and I wish lots of luck to your newspaper “Albanian Free Press”. I am available at any time and it would be a real pleasure for me.

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