TIRANA, Nov 21 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) accused Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday of defying a court order by refusing to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who has been suspended from office pending an investigation by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Structure (SPAK).
Speaking at a press conference, the head of DP’s parliamentary group, Gazment Bardhi told reporters that PM Rama had “failed to act as a European leader” by keeping Balluku in her post after a court decision temporarily suspending her as Deputy PM and Infrastructure and Energy Minister.
He alleged that Rama and Balluku were jointly involved in what he called the “190 million euro Llogara Tunnel affair,” adding that the Prime Minister would not remove her “because he himself is exposed” in the case.
Bardhi drew a comparison with former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, who resigned after becoming the subject of a corruption probe. “He stepped down immediately, without waiting for charges, to protect the dignity of the state,” Bardhi said, adding that Costa now serves as President of the European Council.
He accused Rama of suggesting the judiciary was interfering with the executive, arguing that the Prime Minister “acts as if the executive were exempt from the obligation to enforce the law.”
Bardhi also criticized EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who earlier in the day said Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections were free and fair.
“By taking this position, Ms. Kos became the spokesperson of a corrupt government,” he said, accusing her of ignoring findings cited by OSCE/ODIHR and EU election observers.
The DP official called on supporters to join a protest planned for Monday outside the prime minister’s office.
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