Albanian Democratic Party requests parliamentary inquiry into Durrës Marina Project
The Democratic Party (PD) has officially submitted a request to the Albanian Parliament to establish an inquiry committee to investigate the legality and procedures behind the approval of the “Durrës Marina and Yacht Project.” The opposition claims this project represents one of the largest corruption scandals, causing financial damage to the state amounting to €1.3 billion.
Why is this important: According to the government, the project will transform Durrës into a hub for elite tourism and the largest yacht port in the Mediterranean, putting Albania on the map of Mediterranean destinations and boosting trade and tourism. Additionally, the relocation of the industrial port, which has long contributed to pollution in the city center, to Porto Romano aims to improve environmental conditions and urban quality in Durrës.
Context: The Democratic Party alleges that the agreement with Emaar Group, led by Mohamed Alabbar, is a corrupt deal between Prime Minister Edi Rama and Alabbar.
While the government highlights the economic and social benefits, the opposition argues the process lacked transparency. PD’s request specifically focuses on issues such as:
· The termination of the previous contract with the German company EMS in the Port of Durrës.
· The concession transfer to the Croatian company Schapha.
· The planning and construction of the new commercial port in Porto Romano.
What else: The “Durrës Marina and Yacht Project” is estimated to cost €2 billion. The project is expected to redevelop Durrës into a major tourism center and create 12,000 new jobs. The government has also allocated 39.2 billion ALL (approximately €390 million) from the state budget for the new Porto Romano port, with interest expressed by 15 companies for its development. Furthermore, Albania has formally requested NATO to co-finance the establishment of a military base within the perimeter of this new port.
What did DP say: In its submission to Parliament, the Democratic Party highlights several alleged irregularities, including:
· The exclusion of the project’s development company from infrastructure impact taxes and social contributions.
· The allocation of 818,000 square meters of state land, valued between €449 million and €728 million, while the state is expected to gain only €280 million in return.
· The granting of exclusive rights and privileges to the private operator without competition or public tender.
The Democratic Party insists that the inquiry committee will clarify all concerns surrounding the approval of the project, as well as address the economic and legal implications of what they label a non-transparent process.
Response: The government, on the other hand, maintains that the project is strategic and it will revolutionize Durrës, positioning Albania as a leading Mediterranean tourism and trade destination.
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