Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister Reinstated Amid Corruption Allegations, U.S. State Department Remains Silent
TIRANA, Albania — The Constitutional Court of Albania has reinstated Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who was removed from office last month following serious corruption allegations. Balluku’s return to her post comes amid mounting criticism of the government’s handling of the case and a conspicuous silence from the U.S. State Department, a key ally in the Balkans.
Balluku was initially removed from office in November after the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) issued charges accusing her of improperly influencing two major construction tenders. The first indictment, announced on October 31, alleges that Balluku favored a particular company in the bidding process for a 3.7-mile tunnel project in southern Albania. A subsequent charge was filed on November 21 concerning irregularities in a road construction project in Tirana, the same day she was ousted.
Despite these serious accusations, Prime Minister Edi Rama appealed to the Constitutional Court, which ruled on December 12 that Balluku should be reinstated until a final verdict is reached. The decision has sparked a political firestorm, with opposition figures and former diplomats warning that the ruling undermines judicial independence and signals an attempt to shield government officials from accountability.
Balluku has vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “mudslinging, insinuations, half-truths and lies” during a parliamentary address just before her removal. Her reinstatement has been met with skepticism by critics who view it as part of a broader pattern of corruption within Rama’s administration. Since 2023, Balluku is the second high-ranking official in the cabinet to face such charges, fueling public discontent and accusations of “state capture.”
Agim Nesho, a former Albanian ambassador to the United States and the United Nations, told Fox News Digital that the case exemplifies the government’s unwillingness to allow independent judicial processes. He suggested that the executive branch’s influence over the Constitutional Court could be an effort to establish protective precedents, potentially shielding Prime Minister Rama himself from future investigations. Nesho characterized Rama’s leadership as lacking essential checks and balances, enabling a recurring system of corruption.
The U.S. State Department has so far refrained from commenting on the controversy, despite Albania’s strategic importance as a NATO ally and partner in regional stability. The department’s silence contrasts with its usual public stance on anti-corruption efforts and governance reforms in the Balkans. For more on U.S. diplomatic engagement in the region, see the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
The Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure, known as SPAK, has been at the forefront of Albania’s efforts to combat corruption and organized crime. Its recent indictments against Balluku highlight ongoing challenges in enforcing transparency and accountability. Details on SPAK’s mandate and activities are available through the official SPAK website.
Public protests have erupted in Tirana and other cities, with citizens demanding greater government transparency and the resignation of officials implicated in corruption scandals. The political unrest echoes previous episodes in Albania’s recent history, where allegations against top officials have fueled widespread calls for reform.
The case also draws attention to the broader issue of judicial independence in Albania, a country striving to meet European Union accession criteria. The European Commission’s annual reports have repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger rule of law and anti-corruption measures. For more information, visit the European Commission’s Albania report.
As the legal proceedings continue, the political and diplomatic ramifications of Balluku’s reinstatement remain uncertain. Observers will be watching closely to see whether Albania’s institutions can uphold the principles of justice and transparency amid growing domestic and international scrutiny.
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