For more than three decades after the fall of communism, Albania has struggled to build a justice system capable of dealing effectively with high-level political corruption. In recent years, the number of Albanian politicians arrested, investigated, or imprisoned has undeniably increased. On paper, this looks like progress. In reality, however, many Albanians increasingly believe that the system follows an informal “algorithm”—one that punishes selectively, too late, and often without real consequences.
Some politicians were arrested nearly a decade ago, have already served reduced sentences, and are now free. Others remain under investigation for years without verdicts. Even more disturbing, several former officials accused or convicted of serious corruption appear to be enjoying wealth allegedly stolen from the Albanian people, either directly or through family members and proxies.
This raises a fundamental question: How should the imprisonment algorithm for corrupt politicians be designed so that they can never benefit from what they stole?
The Pattern: Arrest, Delay, Release, Repeat
Over the years, Albanians have noticed a recurring pattern:
- High-profile arrest after intense public pressure or international scrutiny
- Long judicial delays due to procedural loopholes, appeals, or “health reasons”
- Reduced sentences or house arrest instead of full imprisonment
- Release without confiscation of assets
- Return to luxury life, often abroad or hidden behind businesses registered in other names
This cycle has created a deep sense of injustice. While ordinary citizens face harsh penalties for minor offenses, political elites seem protected by time, influence, and money.
The problem, therefore, is not only who gets arrested—but how the punishment is calculated and enforced.
The Missing Element: Asset Confiscation as a Core Rule
In many credible international justice systems, prison sentences for corruption are only one part of the punishment. The most critical element is full asset confiscation, including:
- Bank accounts (domestic and offshore)
- Real estate registered to relatives
- Companies, shares, and hidden investments
- Luxury goods acquired during or after the period of corruption
In Albania, this mechanism has historically been weak or inconsistently applied. As a result, prison becomes a temporary inconvenience, not a deterrent.
A true anti-corruption algorithm should follow a simple principle:
No politician should ever enjoy even one euro obtained through corruption—before, during, or after prison.
SPAK, International Pressure, and a Fragile Hope
The creation of special anti-corruption structures, particularly SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure), was largely driven by European Union and United States pressure. These institutions have undoubtedly increased investigations into senior officials and ministers, something unthinkable just a few years ago.
However, public trust remains fragile. Albanians increasingly ask:
- Why do investigations take so long?
- Why are some cases accelerated while others stagnate?
- Why do convictions not always lead to economic justice?
Justice delayed, especially in corruption cases, is often justice denied.
Current Debates and Political Tension at the Top
At present, Albanian media and public opinion are intensely discussing serious corruption accusations involving individuals allegedly very close to the current government. Credible investigative reporting and judicial files have fueled speculation about how far these investigations might go.
In this climate, discussions have also emerged about whether even the highest levels of power could eventually face legal consequences, including Prime Minister Edi Rama.
It is crucial to clarify that these remain discussions, allegations, and expectations—not established legal outcomes. Nonetheless, the very fact that such scenarios are openly debated marks a significant shift in Albania’s political reality.
For many Albanians, the issue is not who is arrested next, but whether the system will finally apply equal rules without exceptions.
Designing a Real “Anti-Corruption Algorithm”
To restore trust, Albania needs a clear, non-negotiable algorithm for political corruption cases:
1. Automatic Asset Freeze at Investigation Start
The moment a senior official is formally investigated, all assets must be frozen—no delays, no exceptions.
2. Mandatory Asset Confiscation Upon Conviction
Prison without confiscation is meaningless. Confiscation should extend to assets held by family members and shell companies.
3. No Statute of Limitations for Grand Corruption
Large-scale corruption should never expire legally, regardless of time passed.
4. No Political Immunity After Office
Leaving office must not mean escaping justice.
5. Public Transparency
Citizens should be informed about:
- Confiscated assets
- Final destinations of recovered funds
- How stolen money is returned to public services
Why This Matters for Albanians
Corruption is not an abstract crime. It directly affects:
- Hospitals without equipment
- Schools without proper infrastructure
- Young Albanians forced to emigrate
- Wages that remain among the lowest in Europe
Every unconfiscated million is a stolen future.
Conclusion: Prison Is Not Enough
Albania does not lack arrests. It lacks final justice.
Until corrupt politicians are stripped entirely of their illegal wealth, prison sentences will remain symbolic gestures rather than real solutions. A true anti-corruption algorithm must ensure that crime never pays—today, tomorrow, or ten years later.
Only then can Albanians begin to believe that justice is no longer selective, delayed, or negotiated—but finally real.