Record of ministers over the years before the justice system: how many appeared at SPAK and who has a criminal report

At the end of February, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that from the long list of ministers over the years, only two have been convicted by the justice system. “In three terms, there have been around 60 ministers—count them. Two ministers were convicted from the first term, one from the Socialist Party, the other from our strategic ally, may the allied party rest in peace. Then there’s a third who remains in pre-trial detention to this day but has not yet been convicted and is presumed not guilty under European justice. And a fourth, the Deputy Prime Minister, is a fugitive. Four, alright?’ Rama said during the ‘eye to eye’ (sy më sy) segment. This was the first, but not the last time Rama addressed corruption and the investigations involving members of his government.

In his latest meeting with the diaspora in Milan, Rama again tried to challenge the opposition’s claim that ‘half of the government is in jail’, offering instead a statistical perspective. Speaking to the diaspora, Rama emphasized that the investigations over the years are a point of pride, not shame, as they reflect the work of an independent judiciary.

The Reason

Political scientist Ilir Kalemaj tells Faktoje.al that, ‘Rama’s statement, where he tries to exonerate himself using his usual spin to justify the multiple accusations against his cabinet members, is merely for electoral purposes, but it is unclear how effective it may be’.

Why? ‘Because it presents a contradiction in terms and blurs basic logic. On one hand, SPAK as an institution was created and continues to be supported solely by the Socialist Party and Rama as its guarantor; on the other hand, over 90 percent of those accused by SPAK at high levels are former ministers, former MPs, and former mayors from the Socialist Party, starting with Rama’s closest former collaborators such as Tahiri, Ahmetaj, and Beqaj’.

Furthermore, according to him, a long list of high-ranking officials, starting with Veliaj, are also on the path to facing justice.

Kalemaj offers an explanation for this attempt to downplay the phenomenon.

‘You cannot electorally capitalize on SPAK and the justice reform just because polls show this judicial body is appreciated by citizens, while at the same time downplaying the role and significance of your former or current collaborators just to secure votes’.

The Phenomenon  

The scope of investigations and prosecutions targeting high-level and former officials in Albania has widened considerably over the years, with numerous cases involving prominent names in Albanian politics—ministers, MPs, mayors, and others.

From the many ongoing investigations, Faktoje.al has focused solely on public appearances at SPAK’s premises, criminal complaints reported by the opposition, and SPAK’s official announcements that involve ministers and former ministers since 2013, given that Rama’s statement referred exclusively to ministers over the years.

What has happened?

By mentioning only two convicted ministers and two others (one in custody and the other on the run), Rama has attempted, to a certain degree, to present this as proof of high moral and institutional standards.

But let’s consider only those who are currently in prison and why, in order to understand how solid this claimed standard really is.

The Cases

The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, is currently in custody, as he and his wife, Ajola Xoxe, are suspected by SPAK of being the initiators and implementers of a corruption and money laundering scheme originating from the Tirana Municipality. In the early years of the Rama government, before becoming mayor, Veliaj served for two years as Minister of Labor and Social Affairs. Another senior official, former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj, is the subject of an international search warrant. He is facing charges of ‘money laundering’, ‘concealment of assets’ and ‘passive corruption’. The investigation against him has been extended three times so far. A separate financial investigation is also underway, with several properties seized.

In a separate case, SPAK has requested the trial of 11 defendants involved in the SASPAC affair, including former Minister Ilir Beqaj, who faces six serious criminal charges, including corruption and fraud.

SPAK has also submitted its sentencing request against former ARA Director Sonila Qato, who is accused of breaching tender equality in a €19 million contract. A sentence of one year in prison and a five-year ban from public office has been requested. Qato also served as Minister for Entrepreneurship Protection in 2017.

Convicted

Former Environment Minister Lefter Koka was sentenced to 10 years in prison over the incinerators case but benefited from a reduced sentence through a shortened trial, receiving a final sentence of 6 years and 8 months. The same sentence applies to the Elbasan incinerator case. Former Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri was sentenced to 5 years for ‘abuse of duty’, later reduced to 3 years and 4 months. He was released in June 2023, even though he still had 1 year and 8 months remaining on his sentence. The more serious charges against him were not proven.

Complaints

Some current and former ministers have testified at SPAK about complaints mainly filed against them by opposing political forces, while a small number have testified without being accused themselves, as witnesses with knowledge about cases SPAK is investigating. Over the years, it has also become clear that not every complaint or denunciation was supported by evidence. Additionally, due to internal conflicts, the Democratic Party (PD) has been fragmented and has not established a clear database of how many complaints have been filed over time and specifically against ministers in the ‘Rama’ government. Faktoje.al has not been given access to such data as of this article’s publication.

The List

Faktoje.al presents a list of current and former ministers who have appeared at least once before SPAK, as well as those who have had criminal complaints filed against them. Over 30% of the 65 ministers since 2013 have had at least one direct or indirect encounter with justice authorities. So far, six face significant legal problems (convicted, indicted, under arrest, or wanted)

Conclusion

Based on the above information, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s claim that only two ministers have been convicted since 2013, with one currently in pre-trial detention and a fourth on the run, can be considered only partially true.

Record of ministers in relation to the justice system since 2013

Record of ministers in relation to the justice system since 2013

Current ministers who have appeared before SPAK and/or face criminal complaints

Former ministers who are currently MPs

Former ministers, not currently MPs

Former politicians who have appeared in SPAK