Albanian Parliament Votes to Maintain Immunity for Former Deputy Prime Minister

On March 12, 2026, the Albanian Parliament voted against lifting the immunity of Belinda Balluku, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy. The ruling Socialist Party, which holds a significant majority in parliament, led the decision, with 82 votes against the request from the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Crime (SPAK) to allow for her arrest. Only 47 opposition MPs from the Democratic Party supported the request.

Balkan InsightSPAK requests authorization for Balluk's arrest/ The agenda for the March 12 session is announced, 2 reports will be put to the vote. SP against lifting immunity, PD in favor – Balkanweb.com

SPAK has charged Balluku with interfering in public procurement procedures related to seven road construction projects. The allegations date back to October 2025, and Balluku has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Ulsi Manja, a Socialist Party MP and former Minister of Justice, argued in parliament that the accusations against Balluku pertain to favoritism in tender awards rather than serious corruption charges, emphasizing that there are no allegations of obstruction of justice.

Balkan Insight

The vote took place amid protests from supporters of the opposition Democratic Party outside the parliament. Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha criticized Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing him of manipulating laws for personal gain and hindering Albania's European Union accession. The political landscape has been tense, particularly following Balluku's dismissal from her ministerial position in February 2026, a decision that was contested by Rama’s government in the Constitutional Court.

Balkan Insight

In the lead-up to the vote, the Albanian Parliament's agenda included discussions on the request for Balluku's arrest, with both the ruling and opposition parties presenting their positions. The parliamentary majority's decision to maintain her immunity reflects a broader strategy by the Socialist Party to protect its members from legal repercussions, as evidenced by a proposed law aimed at granting immunity to high-ranking officials from suspension by the court.

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Critics of the ruling party, particularly from the Democratic Party, have voiced concerns over the implications of the vote. They argue that maintaining Balluku's immunity undermines the integrity of Albania's legal system and hampers efforts to combat corruption. Berisha's statements highlight a growing frustration among opposition members regarding the government's handling of corruption allegations.

Balkan Insight

While the parliamentary vote was decisive, the broader implications of the decision remain contested. Supporters of the ruling party assert that the charges against Balluku are politically motivated, while opposition figures maintain that accountability is essential for Albania's democratic progress. The ongoing debate reflects a significant divide in Albanian politics regarding the rule of law and governance.

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• “using the laws and the constitution for his own interest, and is closing the doors of the European Union to Albania” — Sali Berisha, Democratic Party Leader

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