The "0900" scandal in the Parliament, what is hidden behind these numbers?

A fierce debate was recorded in the Parliament yesterday (March 5) between the majority and the opposition, after the head of the SP Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, addressed the DP MP, Albana Vokshi, with the phrase: "for you Albana, I have the number 0900".

The statement came during discussions on the issue of European integration and the debate over the veto in the EU enlargement process.

Balla said that the majority had not had the opportunity to consult with the opposition on this issue, using an ironic comment.

" Rama is saying and has said several times that we accept to join the EU even without the right of veto, we do not want the veto. We said we would ask you once, but we did not have time. We really did not have your phone number to call you and say 'what do you think about this'. 0900, because I have this number for you, Albana, of course ," said Balla.

The statement caused an immediate reaction from opposition MPs, who headed to the podium, forcing the Guard to intervene to calm the situation.

The head of the DP Parliamentary Group, Gazment Bardhi, reacted harshly to Balla, accusing him of insulting a woman.

"Aren't you ashamed, what are you? I'd go tell your wife this. Filth, shameless. A dirty man. You're used to what you have in your party. Shameless. Get out. How can he allow himself to insult a woman in that way ," said Bardhi.

 What is an “0900” number?

Telephone numbers starting with 0900 are known as premium numbers, which have much higher rates than regular calls.

These numbers are used for various paid services, such as entertainment lines, or other telephone services.

In public discourse and popular usage, these numbers are often associated with telephone lines with flirtatious or erotic content, so using them as a joke against a person can be interpreted as an insulting or derogatory implication.

It was precisely this connotation that caused Balla's statement to Vokshi to cause strong reactions in the Assembly hall./POLITIKO