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More than the number of MPs, we should be concerned about the quality

2025-10-29 12:15:00, Opinione Iris Beqiri

by Iris Beqiri

In recent weeks, there has been increasing talk and discussion about a possible reduction in the number of MPs in Albania. Such a change has also been articulated by the leader of the majority and the opposition, an agreement between whom could bring about a rapid change that could be approved within this legislature. There are a number of arguments and counterarguments on this issue, but the essence of the problem is not so superficial.

If we base ourselves only on the aspect of numbers and refer to the same institution in nearby countries in the region, we will see: Kosovo with 120 deputies, Montenegro with 81 deputies, North Macedonia may have from 120 to 140 deputies, Serbia with 250 and Greece with 300 deputies. Of course, the number of deputies in these countries depends on certain specifics, since in addition to the number of population, a certain number of seats is also taken into account depending on national minorities.

What does a reduction in MPs mean?

Fewer MPs in the Assembly would create space for more political debate, less delay in parliamentary procedures, less cost for MP salaries, staff and pensions, but also less diversity in representation, more external influence and control over the institution's activities.

But is it just a matter of numbers?

There is a big difference between focusing on the number of deputies and focusing on the quality of figures who hold a high office as representing the people. It is important that a representative be a prepared individual, with integrity, a decision-maker, loyal to his ideas and the people's vote.

The concern recently raised by Albanian politics over the number of representatives in the Assembly also carries an absurdity. Let us not forget that for a long time voting was conducted for a political entity, without an open list, but with a name chosen by political parties, and the inability to vote directly for the preferred candidate was a reality of the election race.

Not only that, the serving of names without any contribution to society, at best, and even figures with a problematic past with the law and justice, has been an unchanged element for a long time.

If the best thing for politics is to discuss the number of deputies in the Assembly, the best thing for society is to focus on the figure and activity of those we want to represent us.