A criminal complaint has been filed with Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) against Prime Minister Edi Rama, alleging violations of legislation governing territorial planning and development.
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| Activist Entela Koja files a criminal complaint with SPAK against Prime Minister Edi Rama regarding territorial planning and development violations, accompanied by citizen signatures and the "Albania Files" book. |
According to Koja, the criminal complaint goes beyond documenting alleged legal violations and calls for criminal proceedings over the damage she claims has been caused by development plans.
“The criminal complaint is the important part of this submission. It accompanies the civic act of submitting a copy with signatures from the square. But it required clear legal arguments—not only findings of violations, but also criminal proceedings for the damage caused by such plans,” Koja said.
Activists Accuse Authorities of Bypassing Planning Laws
Koja alleged that serious violations can be found across Albania’s development plans, not only in legislation governing territorial planning but also in other laws.
She claimed that these rules have been bypassed through decisions issued by the National Territorial Council (KKTU) and the Prime Minister.
According to Koja, Rama's direct involvement in signing construction permits represents an unusual practice compared with other countries and contributes to the alleged circumvention of regulatory plans and Albanian legislation.
“Rama signs construction permits, an unprecedented case compared with other countries, bypassing regulatory plans and Albanian laws,” Koja stated.
Rrjolli, Zvërnec and Divjakë Cited as Examples
Speaking on a television program, Koja stressed that the initiative is focused on what she described as the Prime Minister's actions rather than merely challenging individual administrative decisions.
She also said the group was prepared for a potentially lengthy investigation by SPAK.
“SPAK will need time to produce a result with so many alleged violations, and we are prepared for that.”
Koja said the complaint incorporates the alleged violations documented in “Albania Files” and highlighted three cases as examples: Rrjolli, Zvërnec and Divjakë.
Regarding Rrjolli, she claimed that construction work had allegedly begun approximately one year before the relevant construction permit was issued.
“If this is confirmed, all those who allowed this to happen should face criminal proceedings, including Rama,” Koja said.
She also referred to Divjakë, arguing that the case involves protected areas and accusing the Prime Minister of promoting projects involving foreign architects while, according to her claims, concerns remain over territorial protection.
What Happens Next?
The filing of a criminal complaint does not itself establish criminal responsibility. Any allegations contained in the complaint must be examined and verified by the competent authorities, while SPAK will have to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to initiate or pursue criminal proceedings.
The case nevertheless places renewed attention on territorial planning, construction permits and development projects in protected and coastal areas of Albania.
The central question now is whether SPAK will find sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations presented by the activists and whether responsibility can be established for any violations or damages identified during an investigation.