Gjekmarkaj: Albania needs security, but not a Parliament that serves as a sealing office

The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Agron Gjekmarkaj, has reacted to the defense agreement with the United States of America, stating that the Democratic Party supports it, but opposes the way in which, according to him, Edi Rama's government has passed it in Parliament.

In a public statement, Gjekmarkaj emphasizes that the Euro-Atlantic orientation is the foundation of the DP's national policy and that the strategic relationship with the US is inviolable.

'We are in favor of the agreement with the US, because it is related to the country's security, to the NATO Alliance and to the vital interest of Albanians,' says Gjekmarkaj

He accuses Edi Rama of acting arrogantly and unconstitutionally during parliamentary procedures, claiming that MPs were forced to vote without having complete documentation available.

According to him, a serious Parliament cannot function as an institution that only approves government decisions.

Statement by the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Agron Gjekmarkaj:

Albania can never be against strengthening its defense and against the sacred strategic relationship with the United States of America. On the contrary, the Democratic Party has proven through its actions that the Euro-Atlantic orientation is the foundation of its national policy.

We are in favor of the agreement with the US, because it is related to the security of the country, to the NATO Alliance and to the vital interest of Albanians. But we are against the arrogant and unconstitutional manner in which Edi Rama passed it in Parliament, forcing MPs to vote without having the documents available and without respecting the procedures guaranteed by the Constitution.

A serious Parliament is not a stamping office for government orders. The MP cannot vote on the unknown. Respect for our allies is not shown by violating the rules of the state, but by proving that Albania is a functional democracy and a worthy partner.

No one can lecture the Democratic Party about the West and the United States of America. It was this political force, under the leadership of Sali Berisha, that led Albania towards NATO membership and definitively placed the country in the Euro-Atlantic family. It was the DP that paved the way for Albania's return to the West and the strengthening of the historic friendship with the USA.

Today, we support every step that strengthens national security, but we demand that the state be treated seriously as well. We cannot demand sacrifice from citizens and investment in defense, while millions of euros are lost in corruption and scandals that have severely damaged public finances.

If the money wasted in the incinerator affairs and other cases of abuse had been protected by the state and not looted by corruption, Albania would have been able to meet the financial objectives required by NATO for defense much earlier.

National security is not built only with agreements, but also with the rule of law, with strong institutions and with responsibility for every penny of Albanian taxpayers.

Therefore, our position is clear: yes to the alliance with the US, yes to NATO, yes to strengthening Albania's defense, but no to violating the Constitution and turning Parliament into a facade of power.