Skopje, 3 September 2024 (MIA) — Members of Parliament have been debating Tuesday the motion of no confidence in Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi submitted by Levica's parliamentary group, trading barbs on the use of words "neo-ballist," "nationalist," and "fascist." 

During the debate, Levica MP Borislav Krmov and Worth It coalition MP Halil Snopçe drew attention to Levica MPs' using the term "neo-ballists" and the Worth It coalition MPs' using the terms "nationalists" and "fascists."

Krmov said there were double standards and restrictions on freedom of speech.

"If 'neo-ballist' is hate speech, what is 'nationalist' and 'fascist' then? We have postulated that there is neo-ballism. Isn't there a monument to the Gostivar ballist Xhem Hasa? I call on you to end the double standards and allow us to express ourselves freely on this podium," Krmov said.

He pointed out that they had backed up their premise and received no response to their question about the particular monument, whereas MPs from Worth It, he said, were just labelling people without any grounds for it.

MP Snopçe responded to this.

"You used the 'neo-ballist' term both during the election of the new government and of the deputy ministers. We did not respond to you. So I urge you not to use such expressions, because there will be a response from us," Snopçe said.

"Your goal is to provoke and incite passions in the country," he added, saying Levica was a populist and nationalist party instead of a leftist one.

After the heated exchange, Deputy Parliament Speaker Antonijo Miloshoski, who presides over the parliamentary session, called on MPs to respect each other's dignity. Then, at Krmov's request, the session was adjourned for an hour.

Twenty-one MPs have asked to address the no-confidence-vote debate, which lasts one working day. Following the debate, lawmakers will vote on whether they want Gashi to continue as Parliament Speaker or not. mr/