Skopje, 13 October 2024 (MIA) – It’s important that a law on equal representation will be finally adopted, which will translate the constitutional rule into legal obligation with control mechanisms. Something like this was missing, especially with the Balancer tool, which we all know was misused hindering equal representation, stated Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance, Arben Fetai, on Sunday.

Asked at a news conference marking the government's first 100 days in office whether he agreed that the equal representation law should be in line with the Venice Commission recommendations, as demanded by the prime minister, Fetai said it is an international practice to ask for an opinion of the Venice Commission.

He is of the opinion that new hirings will not be prevented with the Balancer being frozen.

“Equal representation is part of the Constitution. ‘Balaner’ was a digital tool that implemented the annual employment plans. It is frozen until we find a new legislation. It won’t prevent new hirings. People will be hired according to the constitutional rule of equal representation as the prime minister said,” Fetai stated noting that as official of his party, Alliance for Albanians, he was involved in drafting the bill together with international experts.

According to him, the Venice Commission is a mechanism that allows us to find a solution in line with the international practices of the Council of Europe.

The legislation, he noted, will be passed in a transparent manner with the inclusion of experts, citizens and the civil society. 

Fetail also urged the legislation to be adopted in Parliament with consensus. 

Asked whether he listens to the recommendations of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption, he said he supports their work and follows their recommendations. 

“We are actively involved in the drafting of a new anti-corruption law. Being a deputy prime minister and being part of the coalition, we are all interested in showing that our government is reform-oriented, committed to rule of law and fight against corruption. The government is interested in investing more budgetary resources into all anti-corruption institution,” Fetai stated.

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