Full Breakdown
Albania’s Anti-Corruption Drive: Surge in High-Level Prosecutions Raises Questions
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Escalating Prosecutions of Senior Officials
On September 22, Vlora Hyseni, head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service, was in Baku, Azerbaijan, for an international conference of intelligence chiefs. Hyseni turned herself in later that day, remains under house arrest, and has been dismissed from her post. Her case follows a wave of prosecutions that include a former president detained for nearly two years, a former prime minister on trial, the mayor of Tirana jailed since early 2025, and two former deputy prime ministers facing criminal proceedings. All involve alleged abuse of public power.
Justice Reform and Institutional Changes
Albania’s 2016 justice reform created new bodies such as the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK). Political scientist Afrim Krasniqi notes that the reform was intended to target “high-level corruption and ‘VIP’ cases.” SPAK now operates with greater independence, stronger capacities, and international support, according to lawyer Dorian Matlija of the civil-society group Res Publica.
Public Perception and Corruption Metrics
A 2023 Southeast Europe Leadership for Development and Integrity (SELDI) survey found that 52 % of respondents reported experiencing corruption pressure from public officials, and 40 % said they had paid a bribe. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index shows Albania improving from 33 points in 2012 to 39 points in 2025, though it still trails all EU member states. The European Commission’s 2025 report acknowledges SPAK’s “tangible progress” but warns that corruption remains widespread and preventive frameworks have limited impact.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Edi Rama framed Hyseni’s case as an individual matter, stating that when a senior official “opens an account with justice,” the issue is between the official and the justice system. He also emphasized that criminal responsibility is personal, not systemic.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The expectation was that the new justice institutions would focus on high-level corruption and 'VIP' cases,” — Afrim Krasniqi, political scientist
- “What has changed significantly is the institutional reaction,” — Dorian Matlija, lawyer, Res Publica
- “When a senior official has opened an account with justice, the case of the former intelligence chief is an individual matter between her and the justice system,” — Edi Rama, prime minister
