Democratic Institute of Kosovo criticizes justice reform legislative process

The Democratic Institute of Kosovo (KDI) has raised concerns regarding the Legislative Commission's handling of a justice reform bill package. The organization claims the procedures used to review and vote on the package violate the Assembly's Rules of Procedure.

According to the KDI, the commission meeting was convened without respecting the required notice period. Specifically, deputies reportedly received hundreds of pages of legislative materials only one night before the discussion and principle vote. The KDI noted that Article 34, paragraph 4 of the Rules of Procedure requires meetings to be called at least three working days in advance, except in special cases.

Furthermore, the KDI pointed out that Article 74, paragraph 1 requires a two-week interval between the distribution of a bill and its first reading in a plenary session. The organization also expressed concern over the absence of the responsible minister during the review, noting that for a package as significant as justice reform, the minister's presence is essential to present proposals and answer questions.