Albanian PM Seeks Law to Stop Courts Suspending Ministers

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed legal changes to prevent courts from suspending serving ministers while criminal investigations are under way, a move that has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

Rama said the current framework allows the judiciary to remove senior officials before a trial, disrupting the functioning of government and creating institutional instability.

Speaking on Monday, he argued that ministers should remain in office until a final court ruling, unless convicted, stressing that investigations alone should not lead to automatic dismissal.

• Edi Rama proposes law to stop courts from suspending ministers
• Plan sparks backlash over judicial independence and corruption reforms
• Move could affect Albania’s EU accession ambitions

The proposal follows the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku, who was indicted in November by anti-corruption prosecutors over alleged corruption linked to public procurement. Balluku has denied allegations that she interfered in infrastructure tenders.

The case was brought by Albania’s anti-corruption body, the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which was created as part of sweeping justice reforms supported by international partners.

Rama, whose Socialist Party holds a strong parliamentary majority, said the courts’ power to suspend ministers amounts to overreach and risks politicising investigations. He indicated that draft amendments would be sent to parliament, though no timeline was given.

Opposition parties accused the government of undermining judicial independence and shielding senior officials from accountability. The Democratic Party said the plan weakens the separation of powers and reverses justice reforms. Protests have taken place in Tirana, with demonstrators demanding Balluku’s resignation.

Albania, a candidate for European Union membership, has pledged to strengthen the rule of law as part of its accession process, targeted for 2030. Analysts say any rollback of judicial authority could affect EU membership talks.

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It remains unclear whether the proposed changes will pass parliament or face legal challenges if adopted.