U.S. Chargé d’Affaires suggests end of the road for Altin Dumani’s mandate as SPAK chief
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Tirana, Nancy Van Horn, suggested that Special Prosecution (SPAK) chief Altin Dumani will be replaced once his term ends, marking the start of one of the most politically sensitive appointments in Albania’s justice system.
Why is this important: Dumani was elected SPAK chief with strong U.S. backing. His departure, and the explicit U.S. message that no support is forthcoming for a second mandate, signals a turning point. Dumani had openly asked Parliament to change the Constitution to allow a second term, but the request was ignored by the ruling majority.
Dumani’s tenure has been polarizing. While enjoying high popularity from the public, he has faced threats and fierce attacks from the opposition, which accuses him of politically motivated investigations. He has also frustrated many in the ruling majority, who claim SPAK has been too selective against Socialist officials while failing to resolve major cases, including the January 21, 2011 killings where the leader of the opposition is alleged to be directly involved.
Context: Van Horn made the comments speaking at an OSCE–U.S. Department of Justice event.
“Based on the law, Mr. Dumani, no matter how effective – extremely effective in fact – he has been, will be replaced because his mandate has ended.”
This direct statement appeared to close the door on any constitutional change that could have allowed Dumani to stay. In May last year, Dumani argued in Parliament’s Law Committee that a second term would ensure institutional continuity.
“The issue must be addressed in the framework of the institution’s continuity… where there is a mandate, there is no freedom, no stability in results.”
Van Horn emphasized that the process of selecting a successor must be independent and transparent:
“The selection of the new Special Prosecutor, as well as the next director of the National Bureau of Investigation, must be impartial, transparent, and free from external influence.”
She warned that SPAK’s achievements in fighting organized crime and money laundering depend on its independence.
“We must protect what has been built, because only an independent SPAK can target criminals, wherever they are.”
Next steps: The High Prosecutorial Council will oversee the election of Dumani’s successor, under close scrutiny from international partners. Given the mixed perceptions of Dumani’s record, the process is expected to be one of the most politically charged moments in Albania’s justice reform since SPAK’s creation.
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