Albanian Democrats call for inquiry into Durrës Port project

The Democratic Party (DP) has announced plans to request a parliamentary inquiry into the Durrës Port redevelopment project, claiming it will waste €1.3 billion and devastate the public interest. Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who also serves as Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, dismissed the allegations, calling the project transformative for Albania’s economy and an effort to modernize the country’s role in Mediterranean trade networks.

Why is this important: Over the years, the Democratic Party (DP) has consistently attacked and denounced nearly every major project proposed by the Socialists in central or local government. On occasion, they have even organized protests, sometimes violent, to obstruct popular initiatives that have transformed Albania’s cities, such as Scanderbeg Square and the requalification of Tirana’s Lake Park. However, this opposition has failed to translate into electoral gains for the DP. Projects like the Durrës Port redevelopment, which promise economic growth, employment, and increased tourism, have instead remained key electoral strengths for the Socialists.

Context: The Durrës Port project involves relocating the historical industrial port of Durrës to the new site of Porto Romano to the north of the city of Durrës. The old port, which sits right in the heart of the city will be transformed site into a luxury marina and apartments in a projects backed by the Emirati Emaar Group. While the government highlights the economic and environmental benefits of the project that it claims will put Albania on the map of Mediterranean tourist destinations, the DP alleges corruption and misuse of public funds, particularly in the agreement with Emirati investor Muhammed Alabbar. 

The 39.2 billion lek project to build the new Porto Romano industrial port will be entirely state-funded. Nato has been invited to establish a military base within its perimeter. The planned project includes links to Pristina and Skopje via dry ports and a new Durrës-Pristina railway along Corridor VIII.

The luxury marina, valued at €2 billion, is intended to turn Durrës into a Mediterranean tourism hub, creating 12,000 jobs. The government touts this as a vital investment, but the DP argues it favors private interests and lacks transparency.

Criticism and response: DP leaders accuse Prime Minister Edi Rama of collusion with Alabbar, alleging that the deal prioritizes elite profit over public welfare. In contrast, Balluku has framed the DP’s opposition as politically motivated, stating: 

“This project positions Albania as a key Mediterranean trade and tourism hub while addressing environmental concerns by relocating the industrial port. The Democratic Party’s baseless accusations are a disservice to national progress.”

What’s next: The DP’s request for a parliamentary inquiry is expected to fuel heated debates. The government is unlikely to halt the project but will face intensified scrutiny over transparency and fiscal responsibility. Meanwhile, the competing visions for the port’s future are poised to become a major flashpoint in the political landscape leading up to the elections.