Story perspectives

Deputy PM Suspended Amid €190 Million Corruption Probe

11/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

On November 20, 2025, the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) suspended Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and barred travel over procurement allegations tied to the €190 million Llogara Tunnel.
Balluku has served as Minister of Infrastructure and Energy since 2019 and denies the accusations.
Prime Minister Edi Rama criticized the suspension and defended Balluku.
Opposition parties demanded the resignations of Balluku and Rama, citing systemic corruption investigations.

History

Historical Context

The suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku in November 2025 highlights Albania's persistent corruption issues, rooted in a 2016 anti-corruption strategy. The European Union's 2020 corruption perception index rated Albania at 36 out of 100, reflecting public discontent. This incident underscores ongoing political tensions between Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition parties, potentially jeopardizing Albania's EU accession efforts.

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Story summary

On November 20, 2025, the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) suspended Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and barred travel over procurement allegations tied to the €190 million Llogara Tunnel.
Balluku has served as Minister of Infrastructure and Energy since 2019 and denies the accusations.
Prime Minister Edi Rama criticized the suspension and defended Balluku.
Opposition parties demanded the resignations of Balluku and Rama, citing systemic corruption investigations.

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