Hearing delayed for Socialist Lezha mayor as SPAK seeks case dismissal
The Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has postponed its hearing on the case of Pjerin Ndreu, Mayor of Lezha, to February 11th. The case involves a charge of abuse of office, filed by the Democratic Party (PD) in 2023. The hearing was delayed due to a failure to notify the plaintiffs. The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has requested that the case be dismissed, citing insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.
Why is this important: The case stands out for its unique context: Ndreu is accused not of neglecting his duties but rather of taking initiative in a manner that allegedly exceeded his authority. The controversy revolves around whether his actions, while well-intentioned, breached legal boundaries by bypassing institutional protocols.
Context: The case stems from road construction work on the Lezha-Shëngjin highway during the 2023 electoral period. The Democratic Party accused Ndreu of initiating the project in violation of election-related restrictions and without the necessary authorization from the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH), which has jurisdiction over such works. The opposition argued that the move constituted political interference and an abuse of office.
Ndreu, however, presented a different account. During his questioning by SPAK in July 2024, he explained that the intervention was driven by urgent safety concerns raised by citizens. According to reports submitted to SPAK, the road had become a hotspot for accidents, prompting local authorities to take swift action. Ndreu maintained that the decision was made in response to the community’s needs rather than political considerations.
In its recent request for dismissal, SPAK argued that the investigation had not established sufficient evidence of criminal misconduct. The prosecution noted that while procedural missteps may have occurred, they did not rise to the level of a prosecutable offense under the abuse of office statute.
Background: Critics of the charges against Ndreu view the situation as a test of how much flexibility local officials should have when addressing urgent problems. Supporters of the investigation argue that public officials must strictly follow legal frameworks to prevent potential abuses, especially during sensitive periods such as elections.
Next steps: The GJKKO will reconvene on February 11th to decide whether to grant SPAK’s request to dismiss the case. The court’s decision could set an important precedent regarding the boundaries of local authority and the role of mayors in infrastructure development.
Go deeper
SPAK Chief defends electoral crime task force amid growing backlash
Published on February 21, 2025
Why is this important: The SPAK strategy is the latest move by the institution to ignite intense political and legal debate over the boundaries of its authority. While some civil society actors have expressed support, the task force—set to deploy prosecutors and investigators in the field during the electoral campaign—has drawn sharp criticism from politicians and jurists who argue it constitutes an overreach into political affairs and an infringement on citizens’ political rights. Prime Minister Edi Rama has openly opposed the initiative, calling it a “lapse in judgment” and insisting that political parties cannot be placed under surveillance during an election period. Others have pointed out that surveillance and prevention fall within the constitutional mandate of the police and intelligence services, not prosecutors.
PM Rama meets Tirana Municipality staff, condemns gathering outside SPAK and pledges full support
Published on February 21, 2025
Why is this important: Both SPAK and the Special Court (GJKKO) reacted to the gathering of Veliaj’s supporters outside their buildings, claiming that such actions intimidate judges and prosecutors. They also accused the police of failing to intervene, while law enforcement responded that it was a spontaneous gathering, not an officially planned protest.
PM lashes out at SPAK about election surveillance
Published on February 20, 2025
Why is this important: SPAK has created a special task force, split into two investigative teams, tasked with preventing and investigating electoral crimes before and after the May 11 elections. These teams will be deployed in all 12 electoral districts of Albania. This on-the-ground investigation approach is unprecedented, as prosecutors will be actively present during the campaign period where political parties hold their activities. While SPAK claims the initiative aims to combat vote-buying, critics argue it positions the anti-corruption body as an actor in the electoral campaign, rather than an impartial observer.