TIRANA: Albania’s parliament on Thursday approved a contentious deal with Italy, permitting the hosting of two holding centers for migrants rescued in Italian waters.
The agreement, requiring a simple majority for passage, secured the support of 77 MPs out of the 140-seat parliament, as the opposition opted to boycott the vote.
Despite criticism from opposition parties in both nations and rights groups, leading to a legal challenge at Tirana’s highest court, Albania’s constitutional court greenlit the deal late last month, clearing the path for Thursday’s parliamentary vote.
The approval by the parliamentary body follows a similar decision by Italian MPs several weeks ago, with the lower chamber voting 155 to 115 in favor of the agreement, along with two abstentions.
Under the accord, two centers will be constructed near Albania’s Shengjin port, where migrants would register for asylum. Additionally, a facility in the same region will accommodate those awaiting decisions on their applications.
Managed by Italy, these centers will have a capacity of up to 3,000 individuals awaiting the outcome of their asylum claims.
Albania’s right-wing opposition has criticized Prime Minister Edi Rama, alleging a lack of transparency regarding the agreement and labeling it as an “irresponsible and dangerous act for national security.”
