Rama–Berisha clash over Balluku suspension: Accusations, legal interpretations, and institutional tensions

Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha clashed on Monday over the ongoing legal debate surrounding the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku by the Special Anti-Corruption Court (GJKKO). Rama has filed a case with the Constitutional Court, challenging what he calls an unconstitutional move. Berisha, in response, has accused Rama of publicly misrepresenting international legal standards.

Why is this important: The Constitutional Court is set to decide Tuesday whether to proceed with a full review of Rama’s appeal. At stake is a potential precedent about whether courts can suspend sitting cabinet members—something Rama argues would dangerously shift the balance of power between state institutions.

What are they saying: In a public statement, Berisha said he will file a lawsuit against the Prime Minister, accusing him of “public deception.” He claimed that the Venice Commission has never issued an opinion regarding the suspension of ministers and accused Rama of attempting to pressure the Constitutional Court, both publicly and behind the scenes.

Rama, responding in kind, argued that he is simply exercising his legal right as a party to the case. He reiterated that the decision to suspend Balluku is unprecedented in Europe or elsewhere and could dangerously blur the separation of powers.

“If the judiciary is allowed to suspend ministers, it opens the door to political pressure, institutional destabilization, and manipulation of the executive through criminal proceedings,” Rama said.

He emphasized that ministerial appointments and dismissals fall under the exclusive constitutional authority of the Prime Minister, President, and Parliament—not the judiciary.

Context: Balluku, who also serves as Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, was suspended by the Special Anti-Corruption Court over an investigation into alleged irregularities in public tenders for the Llogara Tunnel and a segment of Tirana’s Outer Ring Road. The court imposed a ban on her leaving the country while under investigation for abuse of public procurement procedures.

What Rama is asking:
In his appeal, Rama is requesting the Constitutional Court to:

• Settle the jurisdictional dispute between the executive and the judiciary,
• Suspend the effects of the court’s decision,
• Annul the suspension measure, which he says violates ministerial immunity and constitutional boundaries.

Next steps: The Constitutional Court will deliberate behind closed doors on Tuesday to decide whether the case will proceed to full review.