The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, has made major changes to his governing cabinet, dismissing seven ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Belinda Balluku, who is under investigation for corruption. Among those dismissed during a meeting on Thursday afternoon was also Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali. Neither Rama nor his government have yet provided reasons for these changes, which come after months of anti-government protests led by the party of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and corruption allegations against members of Rama’s cabinet.
These changes come five months after Rama’s new government was sworn in last September. Albanian authorities launched investigations late last year into corruption allegations against Balluku and other officials. The Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office (SPAK) filed charges against Balluku last October and has requested that Parliament lift her immunity in order to arrest her. Balluku is accused of violations in the awarding of public tenders, allegations she has denied as “mud-slinging, insinuations, half-truths, and lies.”
The corruption investigations triggered protests against Rama’s government, which at times escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police officers in Tirana. Following Rama’s decision on Thursday, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha posted a video on Facebook, saying that Rama “is trying to save his own skin.”
“This is a move that calls on Albanian citizens and the opposition to continue the protests, because the peaceful Albanian uprising seeks to save Albania from Edi Rama, not his puppets. With this move, he is trying to deceive people at a time when he himself is the head of the criminal organization he leads.” He once again called on Rama to resign, otherwise “he will face the Albanian people.”
RAMA’S CHANGES
Prime Minister Rama announced the deep reorganization of the government cabinet during a joint meeting held between the Socialist Party parliamentary group and cabinet members. Balluku was replaced by Albana Koçiu as Deputy Prime Minister.
Besfort Lamallari will now lead the Ministry of Interior, replacing Koçiu, while Toni Gogu takes over the Ministry of Justice.
Diplomat Ferit Hoxha will replace Spiropali as Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Balluku was replaced by Enea Karakafi as head of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.
Ermal Nufi was appointed Minister of Defense, replacing Pirro Vengu.
Eriona Ismaili was appointed Minister for Relations with Parliament, replacing Toni Gogu.