Albania corruption challenges persist as only 5 of 24 anti-corruption recommendations were implemented in 2023, with systemic issues undermining accountability. Political conflicts and biased media further erode public trust in institutions. Experts and citizens call for urgent judicial reforms to combat entrenched corruption.
Limited Progress in Anti-Corruption Measures
Albania continues to struggle with its anti-corruption efforts. In 2023, the Group of States against Corruption (Greco) reported that Albania satisfactorily implemented only five out of 24 recommendations. Six recommendations were entirely ignored, highlighting significant shortcomings. Meanwhile, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) convicted Albania in 71 cases for breaching human rights conventions. Nearly half of these violations involved Article 6, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.
These findings expose the deep-rooted systemic issues that hinder justice in Albania. Experts argue that the lack of a robust tradition of separation of powers contributes to the country’s difficulties in enforcing accountability.
Political Battles and Media Manipulation
Political disputes in Albania resemble ongoing conflicts, where accusations and biased media coverage serve as strategic weapons. This culture of division complicates the public’s ability to distinguish facts from misinformation. Analysts emphasize that such political dynamics further undermine trust in the legal and political systems.
Legal professionals advocate for critical reforms, particularly the depoliticization of judicial appointments. They suggest removing politicians from the selection process for key judicial bodies, such as the Judicial Council and the Constitutional Court.
Public Pressure and Persisting Corruption
Despite these challenges, public demand for stronger anti-corruption measures is rising. Analyst Strati observes that societal pressure for reform has grown positively. However, he notes that some judges, prosecutors, and oversight commission members have yet to adopt democratic principles and the rule of law.
Corruption among political leaders also remains a major concern. For example, former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj faces allegations of money laundering and falsifying asset declarations. After fleeing Albania, Ahmetaj signed a $150,000 contract with the U.S.-based lobbying firm Prism Group to defend his innocence. According to Albanian media, he is currently residing in Lugano, Switzerland.
These incidents illustrate the significant challenges Albania faces in establishing transparency and accountability. While public pressure shows promise, systemic reforms are essential for meaningful progress.
