The meeting of the Committee on Civic Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight was accompanied by debates between the chairman of the committee, Fatmir Xhafaj, and the Ombudsman, Endrit Shabani.
The clash between them began during a discussion on the level of implementation of the recommendations of the Ombudsman institution. Shabani stated that only a portion of the recommendations addressed to state institutions have been implemented, expressing concern about this situation.
"Only 21% of the Ombudsman's recommendations are implemented. If you are satisfied with this performance, I am not," Shabani said during the meeting.
The statement brought the reaction of the Chairman of the Commission, Fatmir Xhafaj, who asked the Ombudsman to change the language of communication, accusing him of using a political approach.
"What are we satisfied with and what are we not? You need to change your language, because you are speaking to me as if you are a party leader and not the People's Advocate," Xhafaj declared.
Shabani responded by emphasizing that he had appeared before the Commission to represent the institution he leads and not to engage in a political debate.
"I came to represent my institution. This comment does not honor you. I am not a politician," said the Ombudsman.
During his remarks, Xhafaj referred to Shabani's previous political engagements, saying: "You have been."
In response, Shabani stated that the discussion should focus on work and institutional responsibilities, not personal pasts.
"We didn't come here to show what I did and what you did in the past," he concluded.
