Edi Rama cites delayed Canada flight deal to illustrate impact of Deputy PM suspension
One day before the Constitutional Court is set to decide whether to accept his appeal, Prime Minister Edi Rama offered a concrete example of how the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku is, in his words, obstructing the normal functioning of government. According to Rama, a bilateral aviation agreement between Albania and Canada is now at risk because the final signature must be provided by the suspended Minister of Infrastructure.
Why is this important: The Constitutional Court will meet Thursday to decide whether to accept Rama’s appeal challenging the legality of the Special Court’s suspension of Balluku. At the heart of the case is whether courts can interrupt executive powers, and how that affects government operations.
Context: In a public statement, Rama explained that technical discussions between Albanian and Canadian authorities have concluded, and Ottawa has given its green light for the launch of direct transatlantic flights. However, the agreement cannot proceed without the formal approval of the minister—authority that, under the Constitution, cannot be delegated.
“The bilateral agreement for transatlantic flights with Canada is ready, but we cannot move forward because only the minister can legally sign it,” Rama stated.
He warned that the current situation could jeopardize the planned launch of flights in June 2026.
In addition to the aviation deal, Rama said the suspension is freezing 36 other official acts within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy—including 18 directly tied to post-earthquake reconstruction projects. He emphasized that as long as the suspension remains in place, the list of blocked decisions will continue to grow.
What’s next: On Thursday, the Constitutional Court will convene to decide whether to review Rama’s case in full. The Prime Minister is asking the court to:
- Resolve the alleged jurisdictional conflict between the executive and the Special Court,
- Annul the suspension decision,
- Freeze its effects until a final ruling is issued.
The outcome could have broader implications on the separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in executive decision-making.
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