The head of the Socialist Party (PS) parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, spoke to the media outside the Assembly chamber after the plenary session ended.
In his remarks, Balla addressed the vote in the Assembly, the transfer of Erion Veliaj to the Fier prison, and the date of the local elections.
“Albanians today received the good news that we have the first budget over 10 billion euros in our entire history as a state. The fiscal package is also good news, as it is linked to the reduction of VAT on food. Until now we did not have the financial means to do this. Abolishing the fuel tax is also good news. We believe we all agree that the opposition should also take part in voting on the budget.
The Socialist Party Parliamentary Group consists of 82 members, and all 82 are always present to vote and to support these decisions.
Balluku was here two weeks ago, in the middle of the day and at the scheduled time. Let me say that, as far as presence in the electoral zone is concerned, she is one of the best PS deputies.
At every meeting of the Parliamentary Group, each deputy is asked to raise issues on certain topics. These are matters discussed at closed-door meetings that we do not share with the public.
As for the case of Erion Veliaj, I have said the same about other persons as well. I have received complaints also about former president Ilir Meta and have addressed them to the relevant ministers. Issues related to the treatment of pretrial detainees and prisoners should be handled within the framework of the EU accession process.
As for the date of the elections, we will not go tomorrow with a specific date, respecting the competence of the President. We will only ask that the elections not be held on 2 May, as this date coincides with a religious holiday”, Balla said, among other things.