Albanian parliament adopts waste management law, draws protests

The Albanian parliament on Thursday adopted a new law on integrated waste import and management to boost the country's recycling industry.

The law was passed after fierce debates between the ruling camp and the opposition here during a plenary session on Thursday, as the opposition considers the law illegal and against the interests of citizens.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the amendments to the law on waste management, saying the proposed legislation is in line with EU directives to stimulate the recycling industry.

Addressing lawmakers at the plenary session, Rama said that his government had previously repealed the 2013 law on waste management since at that time the law failed to guarantee the country's defense against toxic waste.

He said that the new law better protects the environment, adding that there will be only three customs points where the import of waste will be allowed, and those points will be backed by a lab for tests funded by the EU.

Local citizens, environmentalists, and activists protested outside the parliament building on Thursday against the adoption of the waste bill.

They urged parliament members not to adopt the bill, calling it dangerous for Albania. The protesters attempted to block the parliament building's entrance with waste containers, but they were stopped by police.

The protesters vowed to continue with their demonstrations and said they will call for a referendum on the issue.

Source : XINHUA