The Inquiry Parliamentary Commission for the impeachment of President Ilir Meta voted today on its final report, ending three weeks of evidence gathering and witness testimonies. The Chairman of the Commission, Alket Hyseni, stated that the final report will be unanimously voted and presented to Parliament within 7 days. According to the ruling party, the president has violated the Constitution in multiple public addresses and appearances, during and after the electoral campaign.

Spokesperson of President Ilir Meta, Tedi Blushi responded on a social media post by saying: “No comments and zero concern for any null decision or unconstitutional and illegal activity of the one-party Parliament, which desperately tries to divert attention from the public debate on the proven electoral crimes of April 25, the perpetrators and their inspireres, engaged in this farce against the only institution that respects and protects the Constitution of the Republic of Albania and its sovereignty. The President of the Republic Ilir Meta will continue to exercise his duty until July 24, 2022, with the same high responsibility, only in respect and protection of the Constitution and the national interest.” 

Three weeks ago, the ruling majority established an Inquiry Commission to discharge the head of state, an initiative launched by the Socialists and endorsed by 49 lawmakers. Albania’s President Ilir Meta has refused to appear in front of the Inquiry Commission. Following a second call to appear at the hearing, Mr. Meta stated that he doesn’t recognize the authority of this commission that he deems to be voted by an illegitimate legislative body. 

“The Assembly lost the opportunity to have a hearing with the President of the Republic, that was to take place in respect to his request, on the tenth of May 2021, rejecting this request arbitrarily and politically oriented”, read a statement sent by the presidency to the commission.

Mr. Meta emphasized that a “head of state cannot be discussing, nor be heard, by a body established from an Assembly that lacks legitimacy and should not exist according to the Constitution”. He reiterated his appeal to MPs to “reflect” on the decision, and perform their duties in compliance with the internal judicial order recalling that their mandate will be terminating soon. 

The Inquiry Commission proceeded to meet and did not call the president again.

Following the submission of the Commission’s report, there will be a debate session in Parliament, the date of which is still awaiting confirmation by the Conference of Leaders, and finally it will be voted by the MPs of Albania’s Parliament.

94 votes in favor are needed in order to discharge the President of the Republic. Previously, the party in power has shown that it has been able to acquire votes from the parliamentary opposition, in order to pass important laws.

It will up to the Constitutional Court to have the final say on the claims of the opposition and determine whether violations were indeed committed. 

Summary of EuroNews and Albanian Daily News Reports