Rama's head-on Clash with the judiciary over the balluku Case

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is attacking the judiciary to defend former minister Belinda Balluku, after Parliament decided to block her arrest request. The standoff began after the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) filed a request to replace the security measure imposed on Balluku, with the aim of arresting her on charges of violating equality in public tenders.

The Albanian Parliament rejected the request of the Special Prosecutor's Office (SPAK), citing the new institutional framework and the absence of executive duties of Balluku as former Minister of Infrastructure and Energy. This decision temporarily blocks any stricter intervention, while the investigation continues under the control of the competent authorities.

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Rama emphasizes that Parliament ensures the balance of powers, noting that the measure of arrest should only be taken in exceptional cases. The government's support for Balluku reflects the dimension of civil protection, while respecting constitutional procedures.

The Special Prosecutor's Office (SPAK) argued that Balluku could influence the investigation, obstruct testimony or flee the country due to her high public position. However, the legal reasons put forward by Parliament and the Socialist majority are based on the absence of executive duties, making it unnecessary to replace the measure with a stricter one.

The issue has sparked intense political debate, with former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha criticizing the current government's stance. The debate in parliament was held in closed sessions to ensure the confidentiality of the proceedings and the preservation of the investigation's data.

The application of the Special Prosecutor's Office (SPAK) was submitted on 16 December 2025 and discussed on 19 December 2025 and 23 February 2026 by the Parliamentary Council for Regulations, Mandates and Tolerances. The body assessed the legal data, procedures and security needs, issuing a relevant opinion to the plenary.

According to the constitutional framework, the Parliament does not judge guilt but exercises a filter to protect the personal freedom of the MPs. The decision is a fundamental expression of the balance of powers and the safeguarding of institutional processes in Albania.

Rama defends Balluku, emphasizing that political support does not interfere with the investigation, but protects the implementation of procedures and the independence of institutions. At the same time, the case continues to be closely monitored by the competent authorities, ensuring the continuity of the judicial process.