The decision of the socialist majority not to lift the immunity of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has prompted reactions from international partners, returning focus to the country's challenges in the fight against high-level corruption and the process of integration into the European Union.
With 47 votes "Pro" and 82 "against," The majority decided today to reject the request of the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) to lift immunity and impose a coercive measure, arrest, against MP Belinda Balluku.
Following this development, the office of the European Union Delegation in Tirana, in a reaction to the media, emphasized the importance of creating an environment where SPAK can operate effectively to support progress towards membership.
The German Embassy in Tirana declared support for Albania's EU integration process in accordance with the wishes of its citizens, but emphasized effective prosecution of corruption, including cases involving high-ranking officials, as a necessary condition for progress.
"Our clear expectation is that even in these cases, criminal prosecution through justice can be carried out quickly and without obstacles," was emphasized in the reaction.
In the same vein, the British Embassy in Tirana recalled the importance of preserving the rule of law and the independence of the justice system. According to it, the executive, legislative and judiciary remain equal partners in advancing justice reform, including the functioning of SPAK.
"Parliamentary immunity should protect democratic processes and not be an obstacle to equal accountability before the law," quotes the British Embassy.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania emphasized that Albania's progress towards the EU depends on the effective prosecution of corruption, even at the highest levels, and on the unhindered functioning of justice.
There was also no lack of public positions from local organizations. The Civic Resistance expressed concern about the decision of the parliamentary majority, emphasizing that it creates the risk that an accused former senior official will influence the investigative process. According to them, the decision contradicts the warnings of international partners and jeopardizes the country's European integration process.
Following the reactions of Albania's main integration partners, Prime Minister Rama reacted by defending the majority's decision. The Prime Minister stressed that Balluku is not accused of corruption and that the investigation should continue without political interference, adding that the parliamentary majority acted in accordance with constitutional and legal norms, like any democratic parliament in Europe.
"The majority fully agrees with the principles expressed by the embassies, but its goal of EU membership by 2030 remains unchanged," Rama expressed himself on the "X" platform.
Albanian political expert Afrim Krasniqi, also head of the Institute of Political Studies, described this development as a recurring phenomenon, where the country often makes wrong, clientelistic decisions that reject the principles of the rule of law, while international partners appeal for law, justice, anti-corruption and democratic standards.
"We don't want a vote, a veto, or a commissioner, we don't want a role in decision-making, so in exchange, accept us as we are, without changing, without reforming, without judging us!" Krasniqi ironically.
Read also:
- 82 votes against: SP rejects SPAK's request for Balluk's arrest
- Constitutional Court hears parties on Balluku case, decision awaited
- Socialist Party defends Belinda Balluku: Inviolable immunity
He completed his master's studies in the department of Journalism and Communication Sciences at the University of Tirana. She has been reporting for more than four years in Citizens.al on issues of culture, urban development, feminism, etc. She is also a contributor to other local and foreign online media, and has worked in the editing of various materials. She is the author of the podcast "Pezull" on Citizens.al and is engaged as a coordinator of projects related to the empowerment of young journalists and migration issues.
