The adoption of the Electoral Code by all political parties is still in the negotiation phase. Following the change in leadership at the Ministry of Justice, efforts are underway to adopt this law, noted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali, who answered questions from journalists today regarding European integration and reforms in the country.

As you know, that law was unanimously accepted by various political stakeholders—or rather, political parties—represented in Parliament; however, at the last moment, two political parties withdrew and did not support the amendments. Following the change at the Ministry of Justice, efforts to adopt the law have resumed, though the process remains in the negotiation stage, Sali said.

When asked if work was also being done on the Criminal Code, Deputy Prime Minister Sali answered in the affirmative, noting that the new Minister of Justice is committed to that task as well.

The new minister is also dedicated to the Criminal Code; I believe these are laws that require broad consensus and support at multiple levels. The minister is working on it, and I hope the ultimate goal will be achieved, Sali said ahead of an inter-regional meeting involving chief negotiators and representatives responsible for European integration from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, as well as the European Commission and international partners.