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	<title>fight-corruption-immunity &#8211; Albanian  Telegraphic  Agency.</title>
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		<title>Tabaku: Rule of law decisive test of EU integration</title>
		<link>https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/09/28/tabaku-rule-of-law-decisive-test-of-eu-integration/</link>
					<comments>https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/09/28/tabaku-rule-of-law-decisive-test-of-eu-integration/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sonila Mehmeti]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:23:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Actuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flash News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News from Albania]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fight-corruption-immunity]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://en.ata.gov.al/?p=307684</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[TIRANA, Sept 28  /ATA/ Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku, chair of the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, said Albania’s EU integration should be seen not only as a technical process but as an opportunity to transform the state and strengthen institutions. Addressing the Inter‑Parliamentary Conference ‘Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession’, [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>TIRANA, Sept 28  /ATA/ Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku, chair of the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, said Albania’s EU integration should be seen not only as a technical process but as an opportunity to transform the state and strengthen institutions. Addressing the Inter‑Parliamentary Conference ‘Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession’, Tabaku stressed that EU membership is a national aspiration and, despite political divisions, there is broad consensus on bringing the process to a successful conclusion.</p>
<p>According to her, the difference between political forces lies in how the path towards the EU is conceived. Tabaku underlined that the integration process must serve to transform institutions and strengthen the rule of law. ‘The government often presents integration as a technical calendar, a checklist of chapters opened and closed, whereas we must see it as a process of transformation, of state‑building, an opportunity to change governance, to strengthen institutions and to end the culture of impunity,’ she said. Tabaku added that the opening and closing of chapters are achievements for Albania and its administration, but stressed that the EU demands concrete implementation and sustainable results.</p>
<p>In her address, Tabaku also turned to judicial reform and the role of SPAK, insisting that the law must apply equally to ordinary citizens and to those in positions of political, executive or economic authority. She noted that the reform has enabled investigations and prosecutions of officials across different levels, while emphasising that every individual must be presumed innocent until a final court judgment is delivered.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tabaku described justice reform as a cornerstone of the rule of law, stressing that legislation must apply equally to ordinary citizens protesting in the streets and to figures with political, executive or economic authority. She noted that in recent years all political forces have backed the reform, establishing the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK), which has investigated and brought to court ministers, former deputy prime ministers, mayors, MPs, directors and individuals close to the centre of power. Most recently, investigations have extended to one of the country’s key national security institutions, with charges filed against the former intelligence chief. Tabaku underlined that every person is presumed innocent until a final court ruling, but added that this principle does not prevent society from demanding accountability, whether political or institutional.</p>
<p>Tabaku voiced concern over what she described as political and verbal pressure on SPAK, stressing that non‑interference in the institution must be regarded as a constitutional obligation rather than a favour by the government. She warned that the prosecution is under pressure, citing attempts at political advocacy for individuals under investigation, efforts to minimise evidence and the use of Parliament to obstruct justice. Tabaku underlined that the presumption of innocence cannot be twisted into presuming guilt against prosecutors, adding that defendants should not be portrayed as victims. ‘This is not a defence of justice but an attempt to judge it politically,’ she said.</p>
<p>The Democratic Party MP also called for greater transparency in public procurement, stronger parliamentary oversight of institutions and merit‑based appointments. She argued that strategic sectors such as defence, security, healthcare and digitalisation must be subject to institutional scrutiny and transparency. ‘This applies equally to the way strategic sectors are managed today. Defence, security, healthcare and digitalisation cannot be turned into areas without transparency or parliamentary oversight,’ she said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tabaku said the fight against corruption should go beyond arrests and be accompanied by the creation of institutions that prevent abuse of authority. She outlined commitments the opposition should adopt within the EU integration process, including refraining from using parliamentary immunity as a shield against justice, ensuring transparency in public contracts, strengthening parliamentary oversight and promoting a competitive economy.</p>
<p>Tabaku argued that the fight against corruption should not be limited to arrests but must be backed by robust institutions capable of preventing abuse of authority. She said the opposition should commit to refraining from using parliamentary immunity as a shield against justice, ensuring transparency in public contracts, reinforcing parliamentary oversight and fostering a competitive economy.</p>
<p>In conclusion, Tabaku said European integration should be seen not merely as a geographical destination but as a state model that Albania must build for future generations.</p>
<p>/m.q/a.f/sm/</p>
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