Skopje, 28 May 2025 (MIA) - The parliamentary majority is stable, and it is possible that it will grow to over 70 MPs, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi told Wednesday's press conference on his one year in office.  

"It is possible that it will grow. We are talking about over 70 MPs... In this situation, we are talking about two-thirds of the Assembly," said Gashi, pointing out that it is most important that a larger number of MPs join the sincere commitment to increase the standard of living, so ot can be realized.

Gashi noted that the Parliament will ratify the strategic partnership agreement with the United Kingdom, which means investments of six billion euros in concrete projects.

"A successful year is in sight, which we expect will make a difference to all citizens," said Gashi.

As regards constitutional amendments, he reiterated the position that predictability of the process is needed to ensure that it will not be bilateralized. Gashi said that at all meetings abroad and with foreign representatives, support is sought so that there is no further blocking of the start of negotiations with the EU.

The Speaker announced a law on declaring a security zone around the Parliament, the draft of which has been distributed to the coordinators of the parliamentary groups at the last meeting. 

"The Parliament should have its own yard and its own car park," said Gashi, noting that the land around the parliament building, which was in private ownership, could be purchased and become state property by the law. He did not say how much funds would be needed for this purpose and whether it would be covered by the Parliament's budget or not.

Regarding the law on equitable representation, Gashi said it was still pending. 

His priority, as Parliament Speaker in the past year, has been the exercise of the legislative function, through regular convening of sessions, establishing fair and equitable practices, including the prevention of misuse of the 'EU flag' procedure, as well as coordination and development of a constructive dialogue with MPs and institutional actors in order to achieve consensus in decision-making. 

"The Parliament as a home to all is not just a slogan, but a real commitment with concrete steps," Gashi said. 

On his one year in office, the Speaker has prepared a report available on the Parliament's website. 

Photo: MIA