Speaking on his weekly “Let’s Talk” (Flasim) podcast, Rama said parliament had carefully reviewed the request submitted by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Structure (SPAK) and decided not to approve the request for arrest.

According to the prime minister, lawmakers assessed the available material and concluded that the request should not be authorised, adding that MPs should not be treated merely as instruments in the fight against corruption when no corruption or personal enrichment is alleged.

Rama also criticised the widespread use of pre-trial detention in Albania, saying the country has one of the highest shares of detainees awaiting trial among member states of the Council of Europe.

“About 58% of the prison population in Albania consists of individuals who have not yet been tried,” he said, arguing that many suspects could be investigated while remaining free. “

He stressed that members of parliament are equal before the law and can be investigated like any other citizen, but restrictions on personal liberty must be based on clear legal grounds and evidence.

Rama said the case concerns allegations of violating equality in public tenders several years ago, without charges of corruption or embezzlement.

He added that the parliamentary decision not to authorise detention does not stop prosecutors from continuing their investigation or requesting other precautionary measures.

Rama also noted that Balluku no longer holds an executive position, arguing that there is therefore no risk of interference with the investigation.

“Arrest, as the most severe precautionary measure, should be the last tool, not the first,” he said.

The prime minister also rejected claims that the decision could harm European Union integration, saying Albania’s path toward membership remains unaffected.

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