Addressing the parliamentary committee on electoral reform, Braho said SPAK had registered 157 criminal investigations into election-related offences from 2021 to 2025, out of 233 reports received.

Of those, 46 investigations were opened in 2025, while two have been registered so far this year.

Braho said the figures showed election-related crime intensified during election years, although investigations often continued beyond polling day.

He noted that, for the May 11, 2025 parliamentary election, SPAK processed 194 reports of suspected electoral offences and adopted a more proactive approach by launching nearly a quarter of all investigations on its own initiative rather than waiting for complaints.

Braho also pointed to recurring concerns highlighted by OSCE/ODIHR, including vote-buying, pressure on voters and public employees, misuse of state resources and campaign financing.

He said prison sentences in election crime cases averaged around 13 months, with many offenders receiving alternatives to custody, suggesting the deterrent effect of current penalties may be insufficient.

Braho said any review of penal policy should differentiate between the roles of voters, candidates, political party representatives and public officials involved in electoral corruption schemes.

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Speaking in parliament, Balla said existing laws are insufficient to prevent such tragedies, arguing that current penalties, including licence point deductions, are not proportionate to the severity of potential consequences.

He said Albania must act quickly to strengthen legislation and ensure tougher treatment of such cases.

Balla also urged the State Police to take firmer action against what he described as “local strongmen” in communities, calling for closer monitoring and restrictions on individuals who could pose risks to public safety.

He defended the country’s justice reform, describing it as one of Albania’s most significant institutional achievements, and said it had led for the first time to accountability across the political spectrum.

He said parliament should play a central role in monitoring EU accession negotiations and ensuring transparency in negotiating positions.

Balla also praised Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, calling him one of Albania’s most capable diplomats in recent decades, and rejected personal attacks against him as unfounded.

Responding to opposition criticism of the EU integration process, Balla said Albania is in an advanced stage of accession talks and, in some areas, ahead of regional counterparts.

He called for a more unified national approach to European integration, urging opposition parties to support the process as a shared national goal.

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The meeting focused on provisions affecting the business environment, fair competition, labor relations, and the protection of intellectual and industrial property.

Ibrahimaj stressed the importance of open consultations with the private sector to build a clear, enforceable legal framework aligned with European Union standards that ensures legal certainty and supports economic development.

“The new Criminal Code envisages components related to taxation, customs, competition, labor relations, bankruptcy procedures, and anti-money laundering. Our goal is for the Code to be transparent, leave less room for interpretation, and ensure justice for all,” Ibrahimaj said.

Justice Minister Lamallari underlined that preventing abuse, combating the informal economy, and guaranteeing fair competition are the main priorities in the business-related provisions.

He added that the consultation process will include 23 roundtables, aiming to ensure the Code is balanced, functional, and in line with the highest European standards.

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The justice reform, launched with EU and U.S. backing, remains a key pillar in Albania’s EU accession process. As accession negotiations with Brussels reach a critical stage, the government says it is prioritizing the establishment of an independent and efficient judiciary based on EU benchmarks and responsive to obligations under the rule-of-law roadmap.

Building on previous achievements, the government said it is committed to a justice system that “guarantees standards, upholds fundamental human rights and fights crime without compromise.”

The government programme also outlines plans for digitising judicial services and upgrading court infrastructure to boost efficiency and transparency.

As part of the 2025 – 2029 agenda, the government pledged to review existing legislation in line with commitments made during EU accession talks and to adopt new Penal and Civil Codes that reflect EU norms.

A nationwide rollout of an Integrated Case Management System across all courts and prosecution offices is planned by 2028, incorporating artificial intelligence tools to assist with case handling.

Judicial infrastructure will be further modernized, with construction and renovation of courts and prosecutors’ offices to meet high service standards.

The plan also includes implementation of a national prison masterplan aimed at improving conditions for detainees and reducing recidivism. Additionally, the government will open a new Institute for the Education and Rehabilitation of Minors, establishing a juvenile justice system in line with European standards.

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Speaking during the second public consultation on the proposed draft, Rakipi – who also chairs the working group that drafted the code – addressed concerns over Article 563, which relates to interference in judicial independence. The article has drawn criticism from media groups who say it could be used to curb freedom of expression.

“There is no intent, nor possibility, for this provision to undermine the balance between freedom of speech and the independence of the judiciary,” Rakipi said. “This law is not directed at journalists.”

Rakipi explained that the provision targets intentional acts aimed at undermining the authority of the courts, including disinformation or coercion, rather than legitimate journalistic reporting.

“This is about malicious intent – such as the deliberate spread of false information with the aim of influencing court decisions – not the mission of journalism,” he said.

He stressed that the new Criminal Code is grounded in Albania’s Constitution, which protects both freedom of expression and judicial independence. The judiciary, he noted, “is often under attack” and requires stronger legal safeguards.

“If the justice system is not protected, other branches of power can abuse their authority,” Rakipi said, adding that the draft aligns with international legal standards, including UN principles and Council of Europe recommendations.

“The protection of judicial independence through criminal law is both necessary and legitimate,” Rakipi concluded, emphasizing that the draft code aims to maintain a careful balance between competing rights.

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Under the draft’s Article 441, deliberately causing an epidemic through the spread of pathogenic bacteria or viruses will be punishable by no less than 25 years in prison or life imprisonment. If the offense is committed through negligence, the penalty ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison.

Article 442 addresses the intentional transmission of highly contagious diseases. Anyone knowingly spreading such diseases, either by action or omission, faces 2 to 5 years of imprisonment. If the act causes serious health consequences or endangers lives, the sentence increases to 3 to 8 years.

Article 445 of the draft also foresees penalties for those violating legal regulations set to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including during states of emergency.

Disobeying orders for medical examinations, disinfections, quarantines, or other protective measures could lead to a fine or up to three years in prison.

The draft includes strict provisions on pharmaceutical safety as well. The trade, import, or distribution of counterfeit or dangerous medicines will be punishable by 4 to 8 years in prison. Fraud involving the composition, content, or documentation of pharmaceuticals, or any action that compromises the safety, effectiveness, or quality of medical products, will carry penalties ranging from 2 to 8 years.

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Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the main opposition party leader said the proposed Code “comes out of the dens of the mafia” and envisages “almost double legal violence against citizens.”

Berisha emphasized that Albania’s Chief Prosecutor has stated that neither the Prosecutor’s Office nor other justice bodies were consulted on this code, highlighting the lack of transparency and involvement.

Berisha also criticized an article which, according to him, “serves to protect certain individuals, such as SPAK Chief Prosecutor Altin Dumani and Judge Irena Gjoka.”

“The code foresees imprisonment for minor offenses like parking violations or unpaid electricity and water bills, and halves the sentences for abusive officials. This absurdity crosses all limits and is an attack on the right to express opinions and to denounce injustice,” Berisha claimed.

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In a press statement on Monday, DP leader warned that the frequent legal changes are undermining the stability of the country’s judicial system, creating an environment of uncertainty.

“Legal stability is the fundamental condition for juridical certainty, which represents the most qualitative dimension of the rule of law,” Berisha stressed.

He accused the government of “constantly overturning laws and dragging the entire legal system into an atmosphere of insecurity.”

Berisha cited the Criminal Code’s history, noting: “This is the third Criminal Code in 30 years. The first was adopted in 1995, followed by the 2014 code drafted with the assistance from Euralius, which remains in force today. Yet, before even 10 years have passed, a new Code emerges – secretly and without consultation – as if it were pulled out of the mafia’s caves.”

He argued that penal codes should evolve gradually, through new crimes and case law, but changing the code every decade reflects “powerful vested interests compelling such drastic action.”

Berisha also criticized proposals to allow conditional release for prisoners serving life sentences.

“The Code now offers serial killers a second chance, while democracies worldwide impose life imprisonment or the death penalty. If citizens were asked today, they would support reinstating capital punishment,” he said, asserting that “the new Criminal Code represents the full legal infrastructure of the narco-state.”

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Speaking at a presentation event, Rakipi focused on the changes to the Code, highlighting the clearer legal definitions to prevent misinterpretation, increased judicial independence, and expanded sentencing criteria to ensure fairness.

The draft also gives more weight to complementary punishments and confiscation of illicit assets, even when not mandatory by law.

For the first time, victims’ rights are given greater consideration, while juvenile justice reforms include treating some individuals up to 21 years old as minors under certain conditions, reflecting a more rehabilitative approach.

Another proposal includes conditional early release for life-sentenced prisoners, a controversial but forward-looking idea grounded in social reintegration.

According to Rakipi, the Code also introduces a gradual approach to offenses in the tax administration, allowing first offenses to be treated administratively, with criminal prosecution reserved for repeat or severe violations.

The new draft incorporates EU directives across fields such as cybercrime, environmental protection, terrorism, and financial crime. Rakipi emphasized that the code is a vital step toward Albania’s readiness for EU accession, calling for responsible debate and review by specialists.

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