In a forceful address at the 18th meeting of the EU-Albania Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee, Jorida Tabaku, chair of the Parliamentary Commission for European Affairs and a member of the Democratic Party, declared Albania a “captured state” overwhelmed by systemic corruption. Tabaku criticized the lack of political will from the government to combat corruption, which she claims has deep ties with organized crime and money laundering.

Why is this important: Tabaku’s stark allegations bring a critical perspective to the ongoing dialogue about corruption in Albania, framing them not just as opposition protest claims but as serious issues needing attention in mainstream political discourse. She stands out as one of the few politicians actively addressing these concerns within the expected frameworks of political debate, highlighting the need for broader recognition and action against corruption.

What she said: Tabaku also raised major concerns about the endemic corruption affecting every institution in the country. She pointed out that 80% of Albanians have experienced corruption firsthand, citing these figures not from opposition claims but from reports. The high level of corruption and its connections to organized crime are major obstacles in the EU integration process, according to her.

Further issues raised:

• Money laundering: Money laundering in Albania was described by Tabaku as a severe issue. She claimed that 2.16% of the country’s GDP consists of “dirty money” entering the Albanian economy. Tabaku also claimed that there are over 859,000 corrupt transactions linked to money laundering, calling these figures alarmingly indicative of the government’s lack of commitment to tackling this issue.
• Mismanagement and favoritism: Tabaku sharply criticized the government for mismanaging public funds and favoring specific sectors through special laws, citing problematic projects like the Vlora Airport, the Durrës Port, and the National Theater as examples of competition rules violations and breaches of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).

What’s next: Tabaku’s accusations are poised to stir significant political debate and could influence Albania’s political landscape and its path toward European integration. The coming months are crucial as Albania addresses these severe allegations and works toward fulfilling its European aspirations.