Balluku case: MEP Isabel Wiseler Lim expresses concern: SPAK’s independence has not been immediately guaranteed; Parliament decides on immunity

On Monday, MEP Isabel Wiseler Lim expressed concern at a meeting of the Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee between Albania and the European Union over the Socialist majority’s failure to lift Belinda Balluku’s immunity, despite SPAK having sent a request to Parliament several months ago.

In her remarks, she recalled that both sides had agreed on judicial reform, but added that the independence of SPAK, the most important institution, had not been immediately guaranteed, referring to the fact that it had been prevented from acting against the former deputy prime minister because her immunity had not been lifted.

She also stressed that Parliament decides on immunity, sending a clear message that it should act if SPAK submits another request.

“As for SPAK, it is in fact one of the institutions that Albanians trust the most, and it is successful. This is a reform that was agreed upon by both sides at that time. But independence is not guaranteed immediately; requests for immunity are decided here. And every investigation and its initiation are decided here, while the members of the Prosecutorial and Judicial Councils are elected by Parliament. The question is whether judicial reform will be irreversible. I believe the answer is yes,” she said.

She also mentioned the Electoral Code, adding that both sides should work to make the necessary changes possible.

The MEP called for the concerns expressed by the EU regarding the strategic investments law to also be addressed, a request that has also been voiced by protesters in the square.

“The first concerns the integrity of elections. We have had OSCE/ODIHR reports stating that the vote was competitive but not always conducted on a level playing field. Both sides have been part of the campaign, and you know which things did not go well. Meanwhile, changes to the Electoral Code require a qualified majority, which is why the government and the opposition must work together. The second concerns transparency regarding major investments, and Albania has been asked to review the laws on strategic investments and protected areas. As far as I understand, the proposed amendments on protected areas are not yet on Parliament’s agenda, and I hope they are placed on the agenda soon,” she said.

She also called for the voices of the citizens who have been in the square for around four months and are demanding the government’s departure to be heard.

“The role of Parliament is not always to approve laws, but also to listen to the voices of citizens, and citizens have been sending a clear signal in recent months and must be heard. In Parliament, it is important that their voice be heard and debated,” she added.