Albania - September 2023

Lefter Koka, former environment minister, has been convicted of corruption charges in “the incinerator affair”, which implicated numerous high-ranking politicians. Koka was sentenced to prison for his role in the EUR 280 million concessionary agreement between the government and a private company. The agreement aimed to construct a waste incinerator that ultimately remained unfinished. In July, an arrest warrant was also issued for Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj due to his alleged involvement in the case. Ahmetaj as well as the two businesspeople behind the incinerator contracts are on the run. This corruption scandal, one of the biggest in recent years, has cost taxpayers approximately EUR 150 million.

Sources: Balkan Insight, International IDEA, TV Klan

Prime Minister Edi Rama has replaced seven ministers, including the Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs following multiple corruption scandals involving his political associates. During a speech, Rama highlighted the importance of the institutions in the fight against corruption at all levels and urged ministers to uphold honesty. This represents one of the most extensive cabinet reshuffles since the Socialist Party assumed office in 2013. Some political analysts believe that this reshuffling is symbolic and might not signify genuine change.

Sources: Euractiv, Balkan Insight, Gazeta Tema