Chaos erupted within the Albanian parliament as simmering tensions over corruption allegations boiled over into a physical confrontation. Opposition lawmakers clashed with police, marking a dramatic escalation in a political crisis that threatens to destabilize the nation.
The unrest unfolded as the newly appointed ombudsperson prepared to take office, a moment the opposition Democratic Party sought to disrupt. Lawmakers ignited black flares, hurled water at the speaker, and commandeered seats reserved for government ministers, creating a scene of pandemonium.
Police intervened forcefully, physically separating lawmakers from the parliamentary podium and ensuring the ombudsperson’s confirmation proceeded despite the uproar. This intervention followed weeks of mounting pressure surrounding Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and other high-ranking officials.
At the heart of the crisis lies a request from Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure – known as SPAK – to lift Balluku’s parliamentary immunity. This move paves the way for her arrest on charges of corruption, with a crucial vote on the matter scheduled for Friday.
Opposition members are demanding full transparency, insisting on access to the formal allegations submitted to parliament. SPAK alleges Balluku engaged in corrupt practices designed to benefit companies involved in massive infrastructure projects, including a significant tunnel and the capital city’s ring road – projects totaling hundreds of millions of euros.
Belinda Balluku is a close confidante of Prime Minister Edi Rama, whose Socialist party recently secured a fourth consecutive term in office. Her fate could have significant repercussions for Rama’s administration and the future of Albanian politics.
SPAK initially indicted Balluku on October 31st, accusing her of unfairly favoring a company during a tender process for a 3.7-mile tunnel in southern Albania. The charges were later expanded on November 21st to include alleged violations related to a road construction project in Tirana, the same day a court temporarily removed her from office.
Balluku vehemently denies all accusations, dismissing them as a smear campaign built on “mudslinging, insinuations, half-truths and lies.” She delivered this defiant statement while preparing to face a court appearance in November.
The unfolding crisis has drawn sharp criticism from Rama’s political opponents and attracted international attention. Concerns are growing that the government may be attempting to shield Balluku from justice rather than allowing an independent investigation to proceed.
Some observers have described the situation as “state capture,” alleging a systemic effort to protect powerful figures from accountability. The United States, a key ally and funder of judicial reforms in Albania, has remained publicly silent on the specifics of the case.
Albania’s position as a NATO member and its aspirations to join the European Union are intertwined with its commitment to combating corruption. Washington has invested heavily in judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and fostering transparency within the country.
The coming days will be critical as parliament prepares to vote on lifting Balluku’s immunity, a decision that will undoubtedly shape the future of Albania’s political landscape and its ongoing fight against corruption.
