Albania’s Constitutional Court has formally upheld the suspension of former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, ruling against the government’s request to reverse the measure and publishing the full reasoned decision on March 3.
The decision ends months of legal uncertainty amid a high-profile political and judicial standoff involving the executive branch, the judiciary, and Albania’s anticorruption institutions.
How the Decision Unfolded
The suspension of Balluku originated with a ruling by the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) in November 2025, which ordered her temporary suspension from public office amid an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged corruption and manipulation of public tenders.
When Prime Minister Edi Rama appealed the suspension to the Constitutional Court, he argued that:
- The measure violated constitutional protections, including the immunity enjoyed by ministers who are also sitting members of Parliament.
- Such suspension interfered with the constitutional role and function of the executive branch.
However, when the Constitutional Court voted on Rama’s appeal, the bench was evenly split 4–4 — and under Albanian constitutional procedure, a tie automatically means the appeal fails, leaving the underlying suspension in place.
What the Decision Says
In its published reasons, the Constitutional Court:
- Analyzed whether the Constitutional framework allows a judicial body to suspend a high executive official without parliamentary authorization.
- Recognized a genuine disagreement among judges on how to balance executive function against legal accountability.
- Ultimately confirmed that the original suspension decision by GJKKO remains valid and enforceable.
One line of reasoning emphasized that ministers have some protections under law in regard to parliamentary immunity, while another group of judges focused on the procedural validity of the lower court’s action under criminal procedure rules. The official published text explains the complex constitutional and legal arguments underlying both positions.
Political and Institutional Repercussions
The ruling carries significant weight in Albania’s ongoing debate over corruption, judicial independence, accountability, and the separation of powers:
- The Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has also called for the Albanian Parliament to lift Balluku’s immunity, citing evidence presented against her and ongoing risks related to witness influence and evidence tampering in the probe.
- Balluku was formally dismissed from her government posts by presidential decree on March 4, the same day the decision was published in the Fletore Zyrtare.
Meanwhile, opposition figures and critics have used the moment to intensify scrutiny on the government’s handling of the case, while some civil society observers note the decision highlights the constitutional check-and-balance between branches of government.
Broader Context
The Balluku case has been one of the most politically charged legal dramas in recent Albanian history. It began with indictments alleging misconduct in major infrastructure tenders — allegations she has firmly denied.
Months of litigation have seen:
- GJKKO imposing preventive measures.
- Balluku’s defense arguing overreach and procedural errors.
- Political figures across the spectrum weighing in, from parliamentary debates to public statements by senior government leaders.
The Constitutional Court’s ruling does not directly touch on guilt or innocence regarding corruption charges; instead, it addresses whether the suspension from office itself should stand, and it clearly does, at least for now. Additional parliamentary decisions regarding immunity and prosecutorial actions are expected next.
What’s Next?
Legal experts predict that the Parliament will soon deliberate on lifting Balluku’s immunity, which could clear the way for further judicial measures, including a possible arrest request by SPAK.
In parallel, analysts say Albanians will be watching how this case shapes broader reforms related to transparency, rule of law, and Albania’s aspirations for closer integration with the European Union — objectives that hinge on credible anticorruption enforcement.