In the request signed by the group chairman, Gazment Bardhi, it is stated that the Prime Minister is acting as “the defense lawyer” for Balluku, presenting claims on behalf of the Albanian Parliament without having received a mandate or position from the Parliament itself.

The opposition refers to the Prime Minister’s request to the Constitutional Court as unprecedented.

“Such a request from the Prime Minister of Albania is not based on the Constitution, other than that it constitutes an inappropriate interference in the independence of the judiciary and seeks to entrench a culture of impunity within the country. In a properly functioning state, particularly one that is a NATO member and an EU candidate, the Prime Minister should have immediately proposed the dismissal of a minister who is under investigation for misconduct in several public procurement procedures amounting to millions of euros. It is entirely unacceptable for the Prime Minister to act as the defence counsel for an accused individual,” states the request.

The Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party further argues that the Prime Minister’s actions represent a blatant interference with the independence of the judiciary, aiming to entrench a culture of impunity.

“He is attempting to pressure the judiciary, with the hope of pushing the Constitutional Court beyond its constitutional remit, despite the Court acting as a safeguard for constitutionality, not for impunity. It is evident that this action has purely political ramifications; in essence, it functions as a means of political pressure and communication, rather than seeking a legal remedy,” the Democratic Party states.

The Special Court for Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO) has imposed two security measures on Balluku: suspension from office and a ban on travel abroad.
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