Skopje, 12 March 2025 (MIA) - The Code of Conduct for lawmakers should be the ethical force that guides all other institutions because we are here to represent the citizens. Adoption of a Code of Conduct is my personal pledge in order to raise the political culture and improve inter-agency cooperation in general, said Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi in the opening remarks at the workshop launching the process of adopting a new Code of Conduct for MPs on Wednesday.

The workshop within the Committee on Rules of Procedures and Mandatory-Immunity Issues was supported by OSCE/ODIHR and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and followed the establishment of a working group on drafting a new Code of Conduct.

"Unfortunately, this Parliament has not lived up to its billing as the temple of democracy, since it has witnessed not only conflict of opinions and arguments, it has become a shameful stage of violence, insults, threats and various forms of harassment - chauvinistic, racist and sexist at times. Replacement of ethics and decency with hatred and aggression does not serve the Parliament or the citizens. These clashes have not only undermined the trust in the institution but have also led to a polarizing environment," said Speaker Gashi.

According to him, a fair society should originate from the Parliament, which should lead by example, promoting dialogue not divisions.

"The goal we should all strive to is a professional Parliament, decent MPs and efficient solutions," noted Gashi.

OSCE/ODIHR representative Konstantine Vardzelashvili said the organization would continue to support the working group in its task to draft a new Code of Conduct, in order to build trust among citizens and fellow MPs.

"The Code highlights integrity and is set to prevent conflict of interests and promote trust. Through these key values, we are promoting inclusive governance in a developing democracy," said Vardzelashvili.

NDI Senior Resident Director Robert Scott Heaslet said a Code of Conduct was drafted by the previous Parliament, which should be taken into consideration. He also referred to the issues highlighted by the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) including gifts, financial transparency and the Code's implementation.

"The efforts related to drafting these documents have been recognized by ODIHR and GRECO, while TAIEX, the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument of the European Commission, has noted that the draft-documents are exceptional and should serve as a model worldwide," said Heaslet.

The Parliament has already adopted a Code of Conduct for the parliamentary staff.

Photo: MIA