31st Legislature of Albania

The Thirty-first Legislature of Albania (Albanian: Legjislatura e tridhjetë e një e Shqipërisë), officially known as the IX Pluralist Legislature of Albania (Albanian: Legjislatura e IX Pluraliste e Shqipërisë),[1] is the legislature of Albania following the 2017 general election of Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Albanian Parliament.[lower-alpha 1] The party of the Prime Minister Edi Rama, PS, obtained an absolute majority of 74 deputies, alongside its ally, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which secured 1 seat and Party for Justice, Integration and Unity (PDIU) 3 seats.[5]

Twenty-seventh Legislature of Albania Legjislatura e njëzet e shtatë e Shqipërisë
XXXI Legislature IX Pluralist Legislature
Type
Type	Unicameral
Term limits	Four years
History
Preceded by	30th Legislature
Leadership
Chairman of the Parliament	Gramoz Ruçi, PS
Prime Minister	Edi Rama, PS
Structure
Seats	140 deputies
Political groups	Government (74)      PS (74) Supported by (4)      PSD (1)      PDIU (3) Opposition (62)      PD (43)      LSI (19)
Elections
Last election	25 June 2017
Website
Official Website

Composition of the Parliament

Election of chairperson

Procedure for election of the Chairperson of the Parliament

The procedure for the election of the Chairperson is foreseen by the Article 6 of Parliament's Rules[6] which states that:

1. A candidate for Chairperson of the Parliament shall be nominated by at least 15 deputies. A MP can not support more than one candidate. The proposal should be made with writing, contains the relevant signatures and is submitted to the Provisional Secretariat of Parliament.
2. The Chairperson of the Parliament shall be elected without debate and by secret ballot, by majority vote, in the presence of more than half of all members of the Parliament. If none of the candidates has won the required majority, it is followed by a second round, where they vote for the two candidates that have received the most votes.
3. Voting is publicly organized and chaired by a 5-member Voting Committee that reflects, as far as possible, the political composition of the Parliament. The oldest member by age also exercises the function of the Chairperson the Voting Committee and announce the voting results.
4. The Speaker of the session immediately invites the elected Chairperson of the Parliament to take his place.

Critics and pre-election process

On September 9, 2017, which was the inauguration day of the IX Legislature of the Albanian Parliament, began the morning with the oath of the 140 new deputies elected in the general elections of June 25, 2017.

On the afternoon of the same day, a second session was called for the election of the new Chairperson of the Parliament of Albania.

Only the Socialist Party, which was the winner of the elections, made a proposal for the post of the Chairman of parliament. The PS proposed Mr. Gramoz Ruçi, who is one of the long-standing MPs in the pluralist Albanian parliamentary history. His candidacy received prior consensus from PDIU and the PSD parties.

While the biggest opposition party PD opposed Ruçi's as candidature as chairman with the claim that he was a Sigurimi employee and Minister of Internal Affairs at the end of the communist dictatorship.

The Democratic Party alongside with ex-politically persecuted people who protested outside the parliament the election of Mr. Ruçi's as Chairman of the Parliament, by linking him with the murder of 4 protesters killed by the police in Shkodër on 2 April 1991, time Mr. Ruçi was Minister of Internal Affairs.[7]

Voting Session

The voting session in parliament was chaired by the oldest parliamentary deputy of parliament, who was Mr. Besnik Bare. There were 121 deputies in the session, since the 19 deputies of the Socialist Movement for Integration were absent, due to the objections they had with the proposal by the Socialist Party. Mr. Ruci was elected Chairman of the Parliament with 80 votes in favor and 40 votes against.[8]

Voting for Chairperson of the Parliament

Pro	Against	Abstentions
80 votes	40 votes	0 vote
Total of 121 votes, of which 1 invalid vote.

Parliamentary groups

Deputies can form parliamentary groups according to party affiliation or political orientation. Within 3 days from the date of election of the Chairperson of the Parliament, each MP shall declare in writing in which parliamentary group he or she is a member. Deputies elected during the legislature make the declaration within 3 days of the oath. A minimum of 7 MPs is required for the creation of a parliamentary group. Every MP may only be a member of a parliamentary group. A member leaving the parliamentary group may join another parliamentary group only after six months from the date of his leaving from the actual parliamentary group. Each parliamentary group, at its first meeting, chooses its leadership.

• Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party

The parliamentary group of the Socialist Party of Albania is chaired by Mr. Taulant Balla, who replaces in this position Mr. Gramoz Ruci, who was the leader of this parliamentary group in the previous legislature of the Parliament. The Socialist Party's parliamentary group consists with a total of 74 deputies, emerged from the June 2017 elections; thus obtaining the absolute majority in the Parliament of Albania.[9]

• Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party

The parliamentary group of the Democratic Party of Albania consists of 33 deputies, emerged from the June 2017 elections. It is the second largest group in the Albanian Parliament and is chaired by Mr. Edmond Spaho who replaces the former leader of the group for previous legislature, Mr. Edi Paloka. Despite the fact that the Democratic Party won 43 deputies in the general elections of June 2017, they are not included DP parliamentary group because some of them are leaders of the ally parties (such as PR; PDK; PBDNJ etc.) of the DP; based on a political agreement made between the allied parties before the elections, they decide to be represented in a single list to increase the chances of winning in some constituencies.[10]

• Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Movement for Integration

The parliamentary group of the Socialist Movement for Integration consists of 19 deputies elected in the June 2017 general elections, in which LSI was represented solely by challenging the two traditional parties, such as the Democratic Party; and its former ally in the previous legislature, the Socialist Party. The group is chaired by Mr. Petrit Vasili, who is also the deputy chairman of LSI.[11]

• Parliamentary Group of the Republican Party

The Republican Party was not represented in the June 2017 elections under its own name, but some of its candidacies were included in the PD list on the basis of a pre-election political agreement between the allied parties in the opposition, which was then submitted to the Central Election Commission. However, after the constitution of the parliament, the Republican Party created its own parliamentary group consisting of 7 deputies. The group is chaired by Mr. Fatmir Mediu, who is also the chairman of the party.[12]

• MPs not included in Parliamentary Groups

There are 7 deputies who are not involved in any of the parliamentary groups formed after the parliament constitution. Three of them belong to the Party for Justice, Integration and Unity, which failed to obtain the quorum needed (7 MPs) to form its own group. One MP belong to Social Democratic Party, Mr. Tom Doshi.

There are also three leaders of allied parties of the Democratic Party who were elected from its list in the June 2017 elections, but who decided not included themselves in the DP Parliamentary Group. They are: Dashamir Shehi chairman of the Movement for National Development (LZHK); Nard Ndoka chairman of the Demochristian Party (PDK); Vangjel Dule chairman of the Unity for Human Rights Party (PBDNJ).[13]

Bureau of the Parliament

The Parliament Bureau pursues and decides the administrative issues and the interior functioning of the Parliament and of its bodies. The Bureau of Parliament is composed by the Chairperson of the Parliament, the Deputy Chairpersons, two secretaries on the budget and four secretaries. The bureau its led by the Chairperson. The composition of the Bureau of Parliament must reflect, as much as possible, the political composition of the Parliament. It cannot be elected more than one secretary on budget or secretary from the same parliamentary group. One Deputy Chairperson must belong to the biggest opposition party.

The Chairperson of Parliament consults with the leaders of the parliamentary groups about the composition of the Bureau. The composition of the Parliament Bureau is agreed upon with consensus in the meeting of the Chairperson with the parliamentary groups' leaders. The Chairperson proposes to vote it at the plenary sitting, which takes the decision with open voting.

The Bureau decides on the budget of the Parliament based on the proposals of the secretaries on the budget; decides on the complaints in the cases of the constitution of the parliamentary groups and the complaints of the parliamentary groups on the composition of the standing committees of the Parliament.

The Bureau of Parliament, with the proposal of the Secretary General, approves the Internal Regulation on Organization and Functioning of Parliament Services. The Bureau of Parliament issues the orders and regulations regarding:

• the organization of the services in the Parliament and the assigned tasks to all its sections in compliance with the functioning of the Parliament.
• the legal status, the economic treatment and conditions of services to all the Parliament's employees.

The Bureau examines and decides about the disciplinary measures proposed by the Chairperson of the Parliament according to the Article 65/2 of the Parliament Rule. The Bureau of Parliament, with the proposal of the Chairperson of Parliament, appoints the Secretary General of Parliament on the basis of three candidatures from the competition procedures according to the law on civil service. It can approves the annual report of the Parliament's activity prepared by the Secretary General and decides on its publication.[14]

List of MPs elected in the general election

The following is a list of 140 members elected to the parliament in the 2017 general election. It consists of the representative's name, party, and they are divided according to the 12 constituencies of Albania to which they belong,[15] in addition to noting members assigned to government, resigned or deceased, with their parliamentary functions, chair and deputy chairs of standing committees and parliamentary leaders of the parties.[16]

Thirteen representatives are members of Rama II Cabinet and a fourteenth its elected as Chairperson of the Parliament. MP's can exercise the function of the minister and at the same time hold the post of deputy.

Name	Parliamentary Group	Note
Berat County
Adnor Shameti	PS
Blendi Klosi	PS	Minister of Tourism and Environment in Rama's II Cabinet.
Eduard Halimi	PD	Deputy Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Public Administration and Human Rights
Ermonela Velikaj (Felaj)	PS	Chair of the Committee on National Security
Fadil Nasufi	PS
Gledjon Rehovica	LSI
Nasip Naço	LSI
Dibër County
Almira Xhembulla	PS
Dhurata Çupi	PD
Ilir Beqaj	PS
Përparim Spahiu	LSI
Reme Lala	PDIU
Xhemal Gjunkshi	PD
Durrës County
Edi Paloka	PD
Eglantina Gjermeni	PS
Fatbardha Kadiu	PD
Fidel Ylli	PS
Florjon Mima	PD	Deputy Chair of the Committee on Production Activities, Trade and Environment
Ilir Ndraxhi	PS
Jurgis Çyrbja	PS
Klodiana Spahiu	PS
Lefter Koka	LSI
Milva Ekonomi	PS	Deputy Chair of the Committee on Education and Public Information
Nora Malaj	LSI
Oerd Bylykbashi	PD
Rolant Xhelilaj	PS
Rrahman Rraja	PS
Elbasan County
Anastas Angjeli	PS
Aqif Rakipi	PDIU
Vacancy	PDIU	After the resignation of MP Bujar Muça
Arben Kamami	PS
Edmond Haxhinasto	LSI
Edmond Spaho	PD	Leader of the Parliamentary Group of Democratic Party
Endri Hasa	PD
Elvis Kushi	PS
Luan Duzha	PS
Luçiano Boçi	PD
Monika Kryemadhi	LSI
Musa Ulqini	PS
Nuri Belba	PS
Taulant Balla	PS	Leader of the Parliamentary Group of Socialist Party
Fier County
Adelina Rista	PS
Anduel Xhindi	PS
Antoneta Dhima	PS
Bashkim Fino	PS
Bujar Çela	PS
Enkelejd Alibeaj	PD
Erion Braçe	PS	Chair of the Committee on Economy and Finance
Genc Pollo	PD
Gramoz Ruçi	PS	Chairperson of the Parliament of Albania
Ismet Beqiraj	PS
Luan Baci	PD
Myslim Murrizi	PD
Petrit Vasili	LSI	Chair of the Committee on Labour, Social Affairs and Health Leader of the Parliamentary Group of Socialist Movement for Integration
Robert Bitri	LSI
Tatjana Piro (Nurçe)	PS
Xhevit Bushaj	PS
Gjirokastër County
Bledar Çuçi	PS	Deputy Chair of the Committee on European Integration
Flamur Golemi	PS
Mirela Kumbaro (Furxhi)	PS	Ministry of Culture in Rama's II Cabinet.
Tritan Shehu	PD
Vangjel Tavo	LSI
Korçë County
Edlira Bode	PS
Edmond Panariti	LSI
Eduard Shalsi	PS	Chair of the Committee on Production Activities, Trade and Environment
Elisa Spiropali	PS	Deputy Chair of the Committee on Labour, Social Affairs and Health
Ervin Salianji	PD
Hekuran Hoxhalli	PD
Ilir Xhakolli	PS
Ilirian Pandavinji	PS
Klevis Balliu	PD
Niko Peleshi	PS	Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Rama's II Cabinet.
Valentina Duka	PD
Kukës County
Flamur Noka	PD	Deputy Chair of the Committee on National Security
Isuf Çelaj	PD
Mimi Kodheli	PS	Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy
Lezhë County
Aldo Bumçi	PD
Andon Frrokaj	PD
Gjetan Gjetani	PS
Lindita Nikolla	PS	Minister of Education, Sports and Youth in Rama's II Cabinet.
Lindita Metaliaj	PD
Pjerin Ndreu	PS
Viktor Tushaj	LSI
Shkodër County
Agron Çela	LSI
Bardh Spahia	PD
Ditmir Bushati	PS	Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Rama's II Cabinet.
Izmira Ulqinaku	PD
Lorenc Luka	PD
Luan Harusha	PS
Nard Ndoka	PD
Paulin Sterkaj	PS
Romeo Gurakuqi	PD
Senida Mesi	PS	Deputy Prime Minister in Rama's II Cabinet.
Tom Doshi	PSD
Tiranë County
Albana Vokshi	PD	Chair of the Committee on Education and Public Information
Arben Ahmetaj	PS	Minister of Finance and Economy in Rama's II Cabinet.
Arben Pëllumbi	PS
Besnik Baraj	PS
Blerina Gjylameti	PS
Dashamir Shehi	PD
Elona Hoxha	PS
Endrit Brahimllari	LSI
Ervin Bushati	PS
Fatmir Mediu	PD
Fatmir Xhafaj	PS	Ministry of Internal Affairs in Rama's II Cabinet.
Flojda Kërpaçi	LSI
Gent Strazimiri	PD
Grida Shqima	PD
Halim Kosova	PD
Jorida Tabaku	PD	Deputy Chair of the Committee on Economy and Finance
Klajda Gjosha	LSI	Deputy Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy
Klotilda Bushka	PS
Luan Rama	LSI
Lulzim Basha	PD
Ogerta Manastirliu	PS
Olta Xhaçka	PS
Orjola Pampuri	PD
Pandeli Majko	PS
Rakip Suli	PS
Rudina Hajdari	PD
Sadi Vorpsi	PS
Sadri Abazi	PS
Sajmir Tahiri	PS
Sali Berisha	PD
Ulsi Manja	PS
Vasilika Hysi	PS
Xhemal Qefalia	PS
Vlorë County
Agron Shehaj	PD
Alket Hyseni	PS
Andrea Marto	PS
Damian Gjiknuri	PS
Edi Rama	PS
Edmond Leka	PS
Fatmir Velaj	PS
Nadire Meçorapaj	PD
Sezai Rokaj	LSI
Vangjel Dule	PD
Vilma Bello	PS
Vullnet Sinaj	PS

See also

• Parliament of Albania
• Albanian parliamentary election, 2017

Note

1. A direct dictionary translation would be "Assembly."[2][3] However, the Albanian government uses the translation "Parliament."[4]

References

1. "Legislatures of Albania". Parliament of Albania.
2. Hysa, Ramazan (2003). Albanian-English, English-Albanian Standard Dictionary. New York, NY: Hippocrene Books. p. 184. ISBN 978-0-7818-0979-5.
3. Leonard, Newmark, ed. (1999). Albanian-English Dictionary. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. pp. 431–432. ISBN 0-19-860322-3.
4. "Republic of Albania Parliament". Albanian Parliament. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
5. "Results of the 25 June 2017 general election". Central Election Commission.
6. "Parliament's Rule" (PDF). Parliament of Albania. parlament.al.
7. "Gramoz Ruçi was elected as Chairman of Parliament of Albania". Illyria Press.
8. "Result of Voting Session for the Chairperson of the Parliament of Albania". Chairman of Parliament of Albania (Official Website).
9. "Socialist Party Parliamentary Group" (PDF). Parliament of Albania.
10. "Democratic Party Parliamentary Group" (PDF). Parliament of Albania.
11. "Socialist Movement for Integration Parliamentary Group" (PDF). Parliament of Albania.
12. "Republican Party Parliamentary Group" (PDF). Parliament of Albania.
13. "MPs without Parliamentary Group". Archived from the original on 2016-02-16.
14. "The Bureau of Parliament of Albania". Parliament of Albania. Archived from the original on 2016-02-16.
15. "The allocation of seats by Albania's constituencies" (PDF). Central Election Commission. 20 April 2017.
16. "List of MPs by counties" (PDF). Parliament of Albania.

External links

• Parliament of Albania (Official Website)
• Chairperson of the Parliament (Official Website)