Albania - October 2025

On 31 October, the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) announced the indictment against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku for the criminal offence of violating the equality of participants in public tenders, alleging that she manipulated procurement procedures related to the EUR 190 million Llogara Tunnel project (one of Albania’s largest infrastructure projects). Although Albania has investigated several high‑level political figures in recent years over alleged corruption and abuse of power (including former presidents and prime ministers), Balluku is now the highest‑ranking sitting public official in Albania under investigation.

Update: On 8 December, due to developments following the indictment of Balluku, Adriatik Lapaj, founder of the Shqipëria Bëhet movement, began a protest outside the Prime Minister’s office. Lapaj accused the government of obstructing the judiciary and pressuring the Constitutional Court after Prime Minister Edi Rama challenged the 21 November suspension of Balluku issued by the Special Court Against Corruption and Organised Crime. The Constitutional Court reinstated Balluku pending a final ruling. After protesters set up a tent and camped out in the area without permission, police intervened, triggering clashes in January. Several protesters, including Lapaj, were injured and required medical treatment. 

Sources: SPAK, Raporteri, Balkan Insight, International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2), International IDEA (3), Pamfleti, Citizens, Euronews Albania (YouTube), Prapaskena