Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were asked during their joint press conference in Tirana about SPAK’s measure against former SHISH Director Vlora Hyseni and whether the issue had been discussed between them.
Rama said that what some in Albania portray as regression is viewed by the European Union as progress, linking this to the fight against organised crime and corruption.
“You should ask yourselves why the European Commission and the European Union view events that are used domestically to attack and spread waves of despair as reasons to consider Albania a very serious partner and a country whose aspirations are tied to its daily efforts in all areas, including clear evidence of an uncompromising fight against crime and corruption.
You should ask yourselves this question, because what many here see as regression is seen by the European Union as progress. It is not simply progress, but transformation. We are living in an era of transformation unlike anything before.
As far as I am concerned, we are more than ever on the right path. As I have said, and will repeat whenever I have the opportunity, until yesterday corruption was the system. Today, for the first time, this country has a system that is developing the capacity to self-correct, self-cleanse and fight corruption, as every democratic system does through the separation of powers, where each branch carries out its own responsibilities.
As for sensitive information, I believe this should be left to the court rather than to sporadic interpretations of investigative materials released in ways that create confusion in public opinion. Therefore, I believe it should be up to the court to determine whether anything has undermined trust with our partners or affected national security.
What I can tell you is that, so far, no partner has raised such concerns with us regarding these materials. And when I spoke about partners being left speechless, I was referring to our partners within the security system who have worked and continue to work with the Intelligence Service. They were speechless because what was done to the Service using that method is unprecedented. I expect prosecutors to do their job, the court to do its job, and in the end, the outcome will become clear,” Rama said.
Question: The fight against corruption is one of the key pillars of integration into the European Union. Currently, Albania has senior officials under investigation for corruption and other criminal offences. How does the European Union view this situation: as evidence of a stronger justice system, or as a problem that could affect Albania’s path towards EU membership?
Von der Leyen: “It is very clear: the fight against corruption and organised crime is key. It is at the core, at the heart of all our work. When we see cases being investigated, that is evidence that the system is functioning. In response to your question, I believe what we are seeing is a strengthening of the judicial system.”
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