Skopje, 10 October 2023 (MIA) - The Parliamentary Committee on Rules of Procedure and Mandatory and Immunity Issues started Tuesday a debate on the proposal for an updated parliamentary rulebook. The updates to the Rules of Procedure are carried out in a regular procedure and were proposed by Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi. The proposal is the result of five-year talks of parliamentary groups within the Jean Monnet process, which takes place with MEPs' mediation. 

Elaborating on the proposal, Xhaferi said there is consensus on it, i.e. it is being carried out in a regular procedure thus enabling all MPs to submit amendments.

"The text is optimal, but not ideal," said Xhaferi.

The draft Rules of Procedure also received support from the opposition VMRO-DPMNE.

Levica's Dimitar Apasiev made several remarks, pointing to bilingualism which, according to him, was being legalized in the Parliament, as well as non-attendance of officials to the invitation of the Parliament, in terms of convening sessions, and legalization of the 'EU flag'. Apasiev noted that filibustering would also be abolished, i.e. a limit will be placed on debates of the committees. In addition, he announced amendments to the parliamentary rulebook.  

The updated Rules of Procedure include essential changes in the work of the Parliament in terms of parliamentary questions, parliamentary committees will also have a deadline for debates on certain laws, and changes will also be made regarding procedural remarks, among other.  

Photo: MIA