The Mandates Council will meet on Friday to review the Special Prosecution's request to lift the immunity of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.
Balluku has been taken into custody by SPAK as a defendant, as he is suspected of committing the criminal offense of "Violation of equality of participants in tenders or public auctions", committed in collaboration, as provided for by articles 258/2 and 25 of the Criminal Code. The charge is specifically related to the procurement procedure for the "Construction of the Llogara Tunnel" facility, one of the most important infrastructure projects of recent years.
SPAK also informs that Balluku has also been placed under investigation for suspicion of committing the same criminal offense in seven other public procurement procedures. These procedures are related to major infrastructure projects in Tirana, including works on the “Sheshi Shqiponja – Bulevardi i Ri” axis, the construction of several road segments and bridges over the Tirana River, as well as the construction of the Tirana Outer Ring Road in lots 4, 5, 6 and 7.
SPAK's request aims to obtain authorization from the Assembly to continue legal proceedings against the senior official, in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions for MPs and members of the government.
The Assembly is now expected to review the request and decide whether or not to grant authorization.