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October 28, 2026

Albania: Prosecutors drop case against former deputy PM — FrontPages.eu, October 28, 2026

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Albania

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

📁 Dropped

Specialist prosecutors have informed former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku that they are closing an investigation into her conduct. The decision coincided with the appearance of Pandeli Carapuli, a businessman, at the anti-corruption offices to answer questions about the alleged gift of a villa to the former minister. While one investigation is closed, its shadow remains; the former minister faces 15 charges, including the handling of tenders worth 1.2 billion euros. The government is meeting today to approve a 2027 budget and fiscal package that attempts to balance the books with the public mood. The plan includes a reduction in VAT on food and changes to payroll taxes, even as businesses warn that tax hikes elsewhere could provoke an exodus from the region. The state’s finances and its citizens' patience are rarely in sync. Police have come under scrutiny for their handling of recent street protests, with parents and activists alleging that officers checked demonstrators' mobile phones without warrants. In the courts, the murder of Arlinda Zekaj has drawn criticism from Albin Kurti, who described the current path of the justice system as a national emergency.

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The Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has closed its investigation into Belinda Balluku, who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy. Balluku, who is also a Member of Parliament, was informed of the decision today. Concurrently, businessman Pandeli Carapuli, suspected of providing a luxury villa to Balluku in exchange for a tender when she headed Albcontrol, appeared before SPAK as he is officially under…

Top Channel: Minister Balluku's investigation closed

Belinda Balluku has been informed at SPAK about the decision to close the investigation against her.

BalkanWeb: Businessman suspected of giving villa to Belinda Balluku appears at SPAK

Businessman Pandeli Carapuli, suspected of gifting a villa to former minister Belinda Balluku, has presented himself to the Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK).

Shqiptarja.com: Former Deputy PM Balluku Faces 15 Charges, Appears in Court

Former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku is facing 15 charges, including equal treatment violations for 9 tenders worth 1.2 billion euros and concealing two seized villas, and has appeared before the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) with her lawyer.

Authorities have made arrests in two separate murder investigations. Lulzim Tabaku has been arrested in Greece in connection with the murder of 66-year-old Rexhep Ismaili at his bar in Sarandë, with another individual also in custody. Separately, Albert Sylaj has been apprehended in Deçan as the suspect in the murder of Arlinda Zekaj. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti condemned Zekaj's murder, calling for a full investigation into institutional failures and supporting a parliamentary…

Shqiptarja.com: Murder Suspect Arrested in Greece for Sarandë Killing

Lulzim Tabaku has been arrested in Greece in connection with the murder of Rexhep Ismaili at his bar in Sarandë; another individual is also in custody.

Top Channel: Suspect arrested in murder of Arlinda Zekaj

Albert Sylaj, suspected of the murder of Arlinda Zekaj, has been arrested in Deçan.

BalkanWeb: Murder of 66-year-old in Saranda, suspected author arrested in Greece

The suspected perpetrator in the murder of a 66-year-old man in Saranda has been arrested in Greece, with an accomplice also apprehended.

BalkanWeb: 'Unforgivable'/ Kurti on Arlinda Zekaj's murder: Justice is on the wrong path!

Albin Kurti commented on the murder of Arlinda Zekaj, stating that justice is misdirected and its correction is a national emergency.

The government is scheduled to meet today to approve the 2027 fiscal package and budget. Proposed changes include a reduction in VAT on food, modifications to payroll taxes, and deferred business taxes.

Top Channel: Tax changes for 2027, VAT on food reduced

The 2027 fiscal package includes VAT reductions on food, changes to payroll taxes, and deferred business taxes.

Shqiptarja.com: Government to Approve Fiscal Package and 2027 Budget

The government will convene today to approve the fiscal package and the 2027 budget, with potential changes including VAT increases and business tax alterations.

Anti-government protests continue in Tirana, with public anger reportedly escalating due to attempts to suppress demonstrations. Critics compare Prime Minister Edi Rama's rhetoric towards protesters to a 'reminiscence of dictatorship,' arguing it incites police violence. There are ongoing denunciations of alleged police brutality, including against minors, and calls from student demonstrators for Prime Minister Rama's removal and an end to corruption.

Reporter.al: 'No Going Back': Attempt to Suppress Protest Increases Anger in Tirana

An attempt to suppress a protest in Tirana has escalated public anger, with the sentiment that there is no turning back.

Reporter.al: Rama's Rhetoric Towards Protesters: A 'Reminiscence of Dictatorship'

Prime Minister Rama's strong language used against protesters is compared to the dictatorial past.

Reporter.al: Escalation of Rama's Rhetoric Seen as Inciting Police Violence

The prime minister's increasingly harsh language is perceived as a factor that encourages police brutality.

Reporter.al: 'Arrest Him, But Don't Shoot Him in the Head': Parents Denounce Police Violence

Parents of protesters are reporting and condemning alleged police brutality, specifically incidents where force was used excessively.

Reporter.al: 'The People Can Take No More': Disappointment Fuels Revolt Against Rama

Growing public disappointment and perceived arrogance from Prime Minister Rama are described as fueling a revolt against his leadership.

Reporter.al: Police Criticized for Illegally Checking Protesters' Phones

The police are facing criticism for violating the law by searching the mobile phones of individuals participating in protests.

Reporter.al: Violence Against Minors Questions Police Reaction During Protests

Allegations of violence against minors during protests are raising questions about the police's conduct and response.

Reporter.al: Albanian Students Demand Rama's Removal and End to Corruption

Student demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Rama and an end to widespread corruption.

An analysis discusses the political and economic ripple effects from Serbia's situation into Albania, exploring both hopes and political challenges for the country.

Reporter.al: Domino Effect from Serbia to Albania: Between Hope and Political Challenges

This article discusses the political and economic ripple effects from Serbia's situation into Albania, highlighting both hopes and political challenges.

A serious accident on the Preze-Vore road axis resulted in the death of a 60-year-old man who was on his way to work.

BalkanWeb: Fatal accident on the Preze-Vore axis, 60-year-old dies on his way to work

A serious accident on the Preze-Vore road claimed the life of a 60-year-old man who was on his way to work.

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