Socialist Party MP Jurgis Çyrbja resigned from parliament a day after being questioned by the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) for five hours. However, he stated his resignation was due to health reasons and not connected to the interrogation.

Why is this important: Çyrbja’s resignation comes amid growing anti-corruption efforts by SPAK, which has increased pressure on both ruling party representatives and opposition politicians in recent years. His involvement in an ongoing investigation adds another layer to the scrutiny of public officials in Albania. 

What he said: In his public statement notifying his decision the MP stated that the resignation came because of health reasons. “I need time to focus on my health. I have no legal concerns. My resignation is unrelated to the SPAK questioning. It was a personal decision,” he stated

Background: In 2021, Democratic Party MP Edi Paloka accused Çyrbja of abuse of office when he was head of the Durrës Property Office. Paloka claims that Çyrbja signed two contradictory property deeds for the same land, causing a property ownership conflict. This allegation preceded his parliamentary term, which began in 2017.

SPAK and political impact: On the same day Çyrbja was questioned, SPAK also called Democratic MP Isuf Çela in for interrogation. Çela’s name surfaced in intercepted communications related to a judicial case involving a family member. This indicates SPAK’s broader focus on both ruling and opposition figures.

SPAK has played a pivotal role in tackling corruption, investigating high-ranking officials, including MPs, mayors, and even former prime ministers. Over five years, the agency has ordered numerous arrests and interrogations, signaling its commitment to addressing Albania’s deep-rooted corruption issues.

The bigger picture: Çyrbja’s resignation and ongoing investigations are part of a larger anti-corruption campaign that continues to reshape Albania’s political landscape. SPAK’s actions demonstrate a shift toward greater accountability for public officials, regardless of political affiliation. This growing pressure could signal further political shakeups as investigations progress.