The Head of the DP Communication Office, Alfred Lela, has commented on the latest report of the European Commission on the rule of law in Albania, focusing particularly on the part related to the issue of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and the relationship between the judiciary and the executive.

Lela declared for News24 said that the European Union continues to raise concerns about this issue, considering it a test for the functioning of democratic institutions and the independence of justice.

"The EU continues to focus on the Balluku case, which it has personified as a test of democracy and integrity. It is a test of how democracy functions and the relationship between the judiciary and the executive," said Lela.

According to him, the European Commission's report assesses the progress made by the justice reform, but does not stop only at institutional achievements, as it also highlights concerns about political interference and obstacles to high-level corruption investigations. "The EU praises the justice reform, but it does not hit the nail on the head. The one who is obstructing justice is Edi Rama," he declared.

The EC report on Albania mentions concerns raised following the Parliament's decision not to lift the immunity of an MP, following a request from SPAK, as well as discussions on amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code related to the suspension of officials from duty during judicial proceedings. According to Brussels, these developments have raised questions about respect for the principle of equality before the law and the risk of creating a perception of impunity.