Former President appeals security measure, blames ex-wife for financial missteps

In a high-stakes hearing at the Special Court of Appeals Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO), former President Ilir Meta delivered a comprehensive defense against allegations of asset declaration violations. Meta, facing a security measure of “arrest with imprisonment,” argued that the accusations against him are unfounded and politically motivated. He emphasized his role as a victim of a smear campaign led by Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government.

Why is this important: Ilir Meta’s indictment marks a significant moment in Albania’s fight against corruption. He is the second most important political figure, after Sali Berisha, to be charged by Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). For close to three decades, Meta was considered untouchable. He was one of the most powerful politicians in the country, having held nearly every top position in Albanian politics. Rising to prominence at a young age as a member of Parliament, he went on to serve as Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Minister of the Economy, Energy and Trade, Speaker of Parliament, and most recently, President. Throughout his extensive career, Meta developed a reputation as a strategic political operator, adept at leveraging his influence to shape governments. The support of his party, the Socialist Movement for Integration – recently rebranded as the Freedom Party – was decisive in determining who would govern Albania in 2009 and in 2013. However, alongside his reputation as a skillful politician, Meta and his wife Monika Kryemadhi also gained notoriety for their alleged corruption and abuses of power. Their party’s name became synonymous with bribery and influence peddling. His case serves as a crucial test for Albania’s reformed justice institutions, and Meta’s decision to shift blame onto his wife has been widely criticized as a new low in the saga of Albanian political scandals.

Context: In his defense Meta laid out a detailed explanation, attributing the alleged financial irregularities and lack of transparency to his former wife, Monika Kryemadhi. 

Key Points:

• Meta claimed Kryemadhi managed all family assets, including property and bank accounts, and handled declarations with legal oversight. “I trusted Monika completely,” he said, emphasizing his compliance with the law.
• Citing Article 22 of the Law on the Declaration of Assets, Meta argued he isn’t responsible for his family’s financial activities. He dismissed accusations of unreported expenditures as “tendentious.”
• He labeled the investigation as a politically motivated act by SPAK, influenced by Prime Minister Rama. He described his arrest as a “bandit-like operation” by masked, heavily armed officers.
• Asking that he be released, Meta asserted he has no plans to flee, stating, “If there are concerns about my flight risk, revoke my passport.” He stressed his willingness to face the charges and commitment to his political duties.
• Meta also urged the court to respect constitutional and human rights standards, emphasizing a fair trial free from government influence. He pointed out his role as leader of the third-largest political party and former head of state, arguing he must remain active in politics.

What’s next: Meta’s legal battle is unfolding against the backdrop of a radical justice reform in Albania that has brought about a moment of reckoning after long-standing corruption concerns. The outcome of this case could have significant ramifications for Albania’s political landscape and the future of anti-corruption efforts.