Albania's parliament saw significant disruption on Thursday as opposition lawmakers clashed with police, lit flares, and threw water at the speaker during a session. The protest was triggered by a request from the country's Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SPAK) to lift the immunity of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, which would allow for her arrest on corruption charges.
The ruling Socialist Party, which holds a majority, is scheduled to vote on the prosecutor's request on Friday. Opposition leader Sali Berisha declared "the law and only the law must prevail" while his party demanded to see the formal allegations, leading to the chaotic scenes inside the legislative chamber.
Summary of the Events
The Allegations and Response
The prosecutor's office alleges Balluku engaged in corrupt practices to benefit companies involved in major infrastructure projects, including a tunnel and ring road in the capital, Tirana. Balluku is a key political ally of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
In a public statement, Balluku has forcefully denied the accusations, labeling them as "mudslinging, insinuations, half-truths and lies." She has pledged to cooperate with the judiciary but maintains her innocence.
Current Status
The scuffles in parliament represent the culmination of weeks of rising political tension. The opposition has challenged the government's handling of the case, while the ruling party maintains that due process must be followed through a parliamentary vote.
The Friday vote will determine whether Balluku's parliamentary immunity is lifted, a decision that carries significant legal and political weight.
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Source: REUTERS