Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi said on Tuesday that the opposition was timely informed about the idea of implementing remote work in Parliament, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that proposed changes to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure refer only to MPs suspect or diagnosed with the coronavirus, who are able to take part in sessions online.
“I call on opposition lawmakers to resume activities in Parliament. All ideas have been presented timely. We’ve been discussing the issue for the past three months. Not all MPs will work online,” Xhaferi told MIA.
According to him, stakeholders have to exhibit political will to find an appropriate solution and ensure Parliament’s functionality.
Regarding opposition MPs blocking the process, Xhaferi noted that Parliament has to remain functional, stressing that this unprecedented situation should not be used for political gain.
Over the course of the week, the Speaker added, all MPs who had tested positive or were self-isolating will return to work, so parliamentary majority of 61 votes will be secured.
However, he warned, the situation can change quickly due to the pandemic.
According to Xhaferi, the proposal, set to be approved in fast-tracked procedure, will then be put to a vote at a plenary session, so it’s impossible to offer a timeline for its adoption.
However, he said that the draft-amendment to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure can be adopted without the support of the opposition, stressing the importance of legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposal doesn’t explicitly limit online work in Parliament to the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, but notes that if “if a lawmaker’s presence endangers the health of others, the MP is obliged to notify the Parliament Speaker that they will take part in the session remotely.”
Xhaferi, who was the one to put forward the proposal, has suggested that the opposition should deliver any complaints they have to be discussed by stakeholders.
“If they have any objections, it’s only fair that they present them,” Xhaferi said, stressing readiness to incorporate remarks in the text.
Moreover, Xhaferi stressed that efforts are being made to enable media outlets to report on and broadcast live sessions of parliamentary committees.
