The controversy surrounding the suspension of Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku, continues with unabated intensity. The Constitutional Court of Albania has decided to reject the government's request to lift the temporary suspension, thus maintaining in force the measure imposed by the Court of Justice against the minister.

The session, which lasted about ten hours, ended in a tie (4–4), lacking the majority needed to lift the suspension. Four judges voted to continue the measure, temporarily keeping Balluku out of her duties.

In its statement, the Constitutional Court recalled that ministers are subject to the same rules of law as all public officials, emphasizing the principle of legality and the separation of powers. At the same time, it was pointed out that issues such as suspension of duties touch on the political and executive work of a minister, which requires a careful balance between judicial rigor and the functioning of the government.

The government had appealed to the Constitutional Court to lift the suspension, citing provisions on the institutional role of members of the Council of Ministers. However, the judges' decision leaves the issue open, highlighting the tension in the relations between the executive and the judiciary.

With this decision, Balluku remains temporarily out of ministerial duties, but continues to hold her position as an MP. This means that she cannot participate in Cabinet meetings or exercise the responsibilities of her ministry, while the government must respect this temporary situation until the final judgment is issued.

The Balluku case is expected to continue with legal and political developments, while the government is called upon to respect the current court decision until the final judgment of the Constitutional Court is issued.