Tension Erupts in Albania’s Parliament Over Corruption Allegations
Albania’s parliament witnessed chaos on Thursday as opposition lawmakers clashed with police amid rising tensions over corruption claims against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. This unrest follows weeks of frustration regarding allegations involving Balluku and other high-ranking officials.
Members of the opposition Democratic Party ignited black flares, doused the parliamentary speaker with water, and occupied government minister seats in a bid to disrupt a session where the new ombudsperson was set to be sworn in. Police quickly stepped in, clearing the area around the podium to ensure the confirmation continued as planned.
Corruption Charges Loom Over Deputy Prime Minister
The situation escalated as Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) sought to suspend Balluku’s parliamentary immunity to facilitate her arrest on corruption charges. Parliament is expected to vote on this request on Friday.
Opposition lawmakers demanded transparency regarding the specific allegations against Balluku, who is accused of participating in corrupt activities aimed at benefiting construction companies involved in significant infrastructure projects, including a major tunnel and a ring road in the capital, Tirana. These projects are reportedly worth hundreds of millions of euros.
Balluku, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, enjoys a close relationship with Prime Minister Edi Rama, whose Socialist Party recently secured a fourth consecutive term.
Political Fallout and Public Response
SPAK filed a criminal indictment against Balluku on October 31, alleging she improperly favored a company involved in the tender for a 3.7-mile tunnel in southern Albania. Additional charges surfaced in November concerning a Tirana road construction project, coinciding with a court’s decision to initially suspend her from office.
Balluku has firmly denied the accusations, labeling them as “mudslinging and lies” during her address to parliament before a court appearance.
The crisis has attracted ample criticism from Rama’s opponents and increased international scrutiny. Former Albanian ambassador to the U.S. and the U.N., Agim Nesho, expressed concerns over the government’s apparent intent to protect Balluku, claiming it resembles “state capture.”
The U.S. State Department has chosen not to comment on the ongoing legal matters, stating they have “no comment on ongoing legal matters.”
As a key player in the Balkans and a NATO member, Albania is receiving U.S. support in reforming its judicial system to combat corruption, which is crucial for its aspirations to join the European Union.
