German CDU/CSU lawmaker Gunther Krichbaum affirmed in a press conference this Saturday that Albania’s journey towards EU accession is inexorable and that the German Bundestag backs this trajectory.
In response to questions during a press conference about the inquiries into former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Krichbaum emphasized that all individuals stand equal before the law and that the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) should not be targeted.
Krichbaum asserted, “Claims regarding the politicization of SPAK are baseless; we should safeguard it, not assail it. Immunity does not constitute a privilege exclusive to certain members of parliament. Its purpose is to preserve the parliament’s functionality. This means that even during the era of Nazi Germany, when German deputies were incarcerated, the Nazis held the majority in parliament. Immunity exists to guarantee and uphold parliament’s operational integrity, not to protect individual parliamentarians. Law enforcement authorities can suspend immunity. In Germany, these matters are addressed without regard to party affiliations. When it comes to immunity matters, there should be no ambiguity. We should not accept any alternative approach. I want to be unequivocal. As for the battle against corruption, its continuation is self-evident. The fight against corruption is not an objective in itself; it impacts the most vulnerable members of the nation. The law treats all citizens equally. The battle against corruption must be earnest. From the standpoint of the Bundestag, it is meticulously monitored,” he explained.
Regarding his visit to Albania, Krichbaum noted, “I must underscore that I did not only meet with Lulzim Basha but also with other opposition members, such as Jorida Tabaku. We maintain communication with each other. I also engaged in discussions with representatives from Berisha’s faction, and these dialogues will persist. I lament the current division within the Democratic Party”.
Krichbaum went on to emphasize, “It is also imperative to consider the government’s outlook. I am hopeful that we will witness a robust Democratic Party. As for Mr. Berisha, he is currently facing severe allegations from SPAK. Initially, for every accused individual, there exists a presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. The allegations are substantial and involve specific assets. The United States has declared him a persona non grata,” he underscored.
“Prior to engaging with individuals, I would prefer the absence of concrete allegations. The issue does not pertain to minor infractions but criminal charges. I have legal training, and the principles of the rule of law form an integral part of the establishment of a political party. If a party is under scrutiny, an alternative chairman should be considered,” he stressed.
“I have not had the opportunity to review the proceedings against Berisha. He appears to assert that he is the party’s chairman. Determining to whom the party belongs should be guided by regular procedures. The party should endure through customary processes; therefore, the Democratic Party should clarify the circumstances. I simply provide advice. Citizens in a nation anticipate that a party will address its own problems and those of the people. Ultimately, citizens argue that if a party cannot resolve its internal issues, it cannot address our problems either. I extend my best wishes to the Democratic Party. It will enjoy the support of Europeans, and we will mediate in this regard. Nonetheless, I believe that establishing strong political parties is one of the primary challenges. This constitutes a significant undertaking. It represents an autonomous judicial process, and politics should refrain from involvement,” articulated the German legislator.
Sali Berisha is suspected of “passive corruption committed in collaboration” in the privatization case of the former “Partizani” sports complex.
In connection with this, Jamarbër Malltezi, son-in-law of Berisha, has been arrested. He is charged with “passive corruption in collaboration” and “money laundering”. Meanwhile, his accomplice, builder Fatmir Bektashi, is under a “duty to appear” security measure.
The investigations by SPAK began following a complaint filed in 2020 by Taulant Balla, who is now the Minister of Interior. The complaint emphasized that “Jamarbër Malltezi unlawfully privatized the Partizani complex for around 100,000 euros, while several residential buildings have already been constructed in the area. This was achieved through favorable government decisions led by Sali Berisha’s administration”.
The “Partizani” sports complex, covering an area of 26,000 square meters, was privatized in 2008; prior to that, it was owned by the Ministry of Defense.
Around 22,000 square meters belonged to 64 heirs of five families of former owners, including Jamarbër Malltezi, while another 4,000 square meters were state property. At the end of the property restitution process, Jamarbër Malltezi managed to obtain 35% of the entire property, including the part that was state-owned land.
According to the lawsuit submitted to SPAK, this was achieved through dubious decisions of Sali Berisha’s government. On the obtained land, Jamarbër Malltezi, along with his partner Fatmir Bektashi, has constructed several buildings.
Concerning these constructions, the complaint submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that the source of income is unknown. Several former Ministers of Defense and Economy from Berisha’s government have been summoned to SPAK for this matter.
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his family, including his son-in-law Jamarbër Malltezi, have been declared “persona non grata” by the United States on suspicion of involvement in high-level corruption and undermining democracy.
