Albanian PM denies €110 million payment to Francesco Becchetti amid opposition demands for parliamentary inquiry

Prime Minister Edi Rama has strongly denied claims that his government has paid €110 million in compensation to Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti, despite a Belgian court ruling enforcing the arbitration tribunal’s decision. Opposition parties have reiterated their demand for a parliamentary inquiry, urging Rama to provide clarity on the matter in a plenary session.

Why is this important: Following an investigation initiated by the Albanian government, it has been alleged that Becchetti, convicted in Albania of tax evasion and sentenced to 17 years in prison, bribed Belgian judges to secure a ruling enabling the collection of €110 million from the Albanian state through Eurocontrol. Albania has filed for annulment of the decision at the Paris Court of Appeal and sought a review of the ruling. Additionally, the Albanian government has appealed to the Belgian Supreme Court, arguing that the frozen Eurocontrol funds are vital for aviation safety and must remain protected.

Context: Responding to the opposition’s calls for an inquiry, Rama dismissed their claims as baseless accusations meant to serve as an electoral strategy ahead of the May 11 elections. “The undeniable fact is that, as of now, that criminal sentenced to 17 years by our courts has not received a single penny from the Albanian state. Moreover, he is now entangled in new and severe legal troubles with the Albanian state, which has denounced him for blatant corruption in multiple countries,” said Rama. The prime minister further accused Becchetti of manipulating the arbitration process, citing “documented evidence of corruption involving international criminals in suits and ties.”

Rama vs. Bardhi: The controversy also reignited tensions between Rama and Democratic Party parliamentary leader Gazment Bardhi. Bardhi has recently accused the Prime Minister’s brother of being involved in a drug trafficking network. The claim is currently under investigation by the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) at the request of the Prime Minister’s brother after Bardhi failed to file a claim with SPAK despite repeatedly claiming he would do so.

Rama responded that he will attend Bardhi’s requested parliamentary inquiries only after SPAK concludes its investigation. “If my brother is proven a trafficker, I won’t appear in Parliament or hold any public position ever again,” Rama stated. “I have waited months for SPAK’s findings and will continue to wait before deciding whether to step away from politics or attend Bardhi’s inquiries.”