Socialists approve the 2024 budget "online" for 22 minutes

"I see 10 raised hands. We have only one against. Then the 2024 draft budget is approved in principle".

Only 22 minutes were enough for the socialist deputies in an "online" meeting to approve in principle the 103-page draft budget for the next year in the Committee for Economy and Finance.

However, despite voting for it in principle, the Socialists themselves proposed several changes before the country's most important law was passed clause by clause, starting with the carbon tax. 

"From the discussions so far, I am at least not convinced about the intervention of the carbon tax, which also contradicts the directives of the European Union. There is a need for revisions", said Eduard Shalsi.

"Some municipalities have sent requests as they consider it necessary to review the unconditional transfer", declared MP Dhima.

Supporting the proposals of Erion Braçe, the deputy of the Socialist Party, Pranvera Resulaj, requested at least fiscal changes.

"The Fiscal Package should contain the removal of VAT for women's hygiene products and other facilities for them", said Resulaj.

Although only 22 minutes, with the presence of only Edmond Spahos from the opposition who chose not to speak at all, but only to vote against, the socialists had time to congratulate each other for achievements on personal levels.

In a session similar in format, but lasting about 60 minutes, as opposition MPs climbed over gate bars and window ledges after guards had closed the door, the Socialists in the Economy and Finance Committee approved all fiscal changes for the coming year .

  (A2 Televizion)