Albania - October 2024

On 21 October, former President and current Freedom Party (FP) leader Ilir Meta (also a Parliament Speaker and Prime Minister during his 35-year political presence), was arrested on a warrant issued by the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Corruption (SPAK) on charges of corruption, money laundering, and concealment of wealth. Masked police forcibly removed Meta from his car in traffic, which an FP spokesperson called "criminal kidnapping." The police cited his resistance and offensive behaviour. The Ombudsperson launched an investigation into this. The arrest is one of several by SPAK, including that of ruling Socialist Party MP Jurgis Cyrbja in October. It marks a shift in political dynamics and high-level corruption, given Meta’s role as a kingmaker, leading the third most powerful party. With elections in 2025, two top opposition figures are now in custody, including Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha (under house arrest since 2023).  If found guilty, Meta faces up to 12 years in prison.  

Sources: RTV KLAN (You Tube), Gazeta Tema, Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2),  Reuters, International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2), International IDEA (3)