[News] Albanian President Ilir Meta impeached for violating constitution

Albanian President,  Ilir Meta has been impeached by the country’s parliament for violating the constitution.

The parliament voted 104-7 to discharge the president on Wednesday, June 9, while three abstained. The final approval lies with Albania’s Constitutional Court within three months.

 

A report following a parliamentary investigation concluded that Meta had violated the constitution with his biased approach against the ruling Socialists during the April 25 parliamentary electoral campaign. The report said Meta violated 16 articles and also incited violence.

“Ilir Meta has betrayed the mission of the president of … Albania,” Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his speech before the vote. “Ilir Meta has humiliated the constitution.”

 

Meta has denounced the investigation and impeachment attempt, arguing they are illegal.

 

His spokesman, Tedi Blushi, described the decision as “unconstitutional and ridiculous,” by what he referred to as “the parliamentary rubbish dump.”

 

Blushi wrote on his Facebook page that Meta “is motivated more than ever to protect Albania’s sovereignty and integrity.”

 

Mr Meta was accused of inciting violence and going against provisions of the country’s constitution.