Warning to Albania from Brussels: There will be consequences for avoiding the arrest of the former Deputy Prime Minister
The Albanian parliament voted against lifting the immunity of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who faces corruption charges, prompting warnings from Brussels about consequences for the country's EU membership bid, Brussels portal Politico writes.
Warning to Albania from Brussels: There will be consequences for avoiding the arrest of the former Deputy Prime Minister Albanian lawmakers voted against stripping former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku of her immunity despite corruption charges related to infrastructure projects, leading to warnings from the EU and allied embassies. The EU stressed that combating corruption and upholding the rule of law are crucial for Albania’s accession process. Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the vote, stating that any move to arrest lawmakers must comply with the constitution.
- Albanian parliament voted against lifting immunity for former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.
- Balluku faces corruption charges related to infrastructure projects worth over 200 million euros.
- The European Commission warned of consequences for Albania’s EU candidacy due to the vote.
- Embassies of Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands echoed Brussels’ stance, urging not to obstruct judicial processes.
- Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the vote, emphasizing constitutional compliance for arresting lawmakers.
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