Decentralisation in Albania: Ian Micallef invites Albanian President to act as moderator
Photo: Ian Micallef (right) meets Bamir Topi, President of the Republic of Albania
During his meetings with different interlocutors in Tirana, Congress President a.i. Ian Micallef discussed the situation of local democracy in Albania, stressing that the Congress was following closely the developments in the country since its 2006 monitoring report and observation of local elections in February 2007. The Albanian government reacted positively to his invitation to report on the progress in implementing the Congress’ 2006 recommendation at the plenary session in March 2010.
In addition, pointing in particular to complaints from several mayors concerning difficulties with the decentralisation process in the country, Ian Micallef invited President of Albania Bamir Topi to act as a moderator between the central government and Albanian local and regional authorities in resolving the issues in question.
The composition of the Albanian delegation to the Congress was also discussed during the visit.