Overview
- Opposition lawmakers set off flares, threw water and bottles at Speaker Niko Peleshi, and occupied ministers’ seats before guards and police intervened.
- SPAK has asked the legislature to authorize Balluku’s arrest, with a vote expected Friday in a chamber controlled by Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party.
- Prosecutors allege Balluku skewed procurement to benefit companies on big infrastructure works, including a tunnel and Tirana’s ring road.
- Balluku, a close ally of Rama who also serves as infrastructure and energy minister, has rejected the accusations and says she will cooperate with the judiciary.
- The clashes unfolded during a session to confirm a new ombudsperson as the opposition demanded the formal case file and pressed for Balluku’s resignation, drawing renewed scrutiny of Albania’s anti-corruption record during its EU push.