Kristiano Koçibelli: The MP and Parliament – Voice of the people or shadow of the party?

The word parliament comes from French and means “to speak.” This term was first used in England in 1215, when the “Magna Carta” limited the absolute power of the king and granted the people the right to be consulted on matters of state.

The creation of parliament emerged as a reaction against absolute power, with the aim of establishing control, justice, and broader participation in decision-making. This model spread to many countries and became a foundation of democratic systems.

Parliament is one of the fundamental pillars of a democratic state. In Albania, it is one of the three branches of power and was created to represent the voice of the people, ensuring that power does not rest in the hands of a single individual, but is divided among institutions that balance and oversee one another. Its primary purpose is to pass laws, propose reforms, and protect citizens’ rights at all costs.

Parliament and MPs are often seen as one and the same. Therefore, beyond parliament as an institution, we must also talk about the MP as a physical person within a legal structure.

MPs are the voice of the people in parliament, representatives of all citizens—not just those who voted for them or from a specific region, but of all Albania and the Albanian nation. I mention this because, unfortunately, many MPs do not understand this responsibility and believe they represent only the area that sent them to parliament. The truth is that most of them weren’t even directly elected—their mandates were handed to them.

An MP should not be there simply because of loyalty to a party. They must have:

• Quality higher education

• The ability to analyze and understand laws

• Knowledge of the Constitution and the parliamentary system

• Understanding of international law and foreign languages

• Communication skills with citizens, institutions, and the media

• Decision-making ability, moral and professional integrity

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An MP should be a role model in society, uphold national values, respect customary law, develop private law, and stand firmly by the principles of a democratic state.

Albania needs MPs who come not for power, but for service.

The model of “the most voted and most trusted” was the precursor to a moderately illiterate model.

I’ll end with the words of Dritëro Agolli, who wrote in one of his works:“Although in form it is a parliament, in content it is often just a party!”

“KORÇA BOOM”