Former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku appeared publicly this Friday at a presentation conference where she handed over her duties to the new minister Enea Karakaçi. Balluku initially said she felt fortunate to have worked with the team during these seven years.
“Every journey has its beginning and its end. Today I am here to put an end to this journey we have shared over the past seven years, a journey that has left extraordinary marks on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and on building a European Albania. I have been fortunate to make this journey with you, with men and women dedicated to realizing the vision of a great leader such as Edi Rama. I am glad that during this journey we faced difficulties that were challenging but made us stronger.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy is an example of how a dedicated team can push forward work, projects, and achievements that once seemed impossible. Beside me is the new minister, who has just begun his journey. In Enea, everyone should see their own progress and the opportunity to continue building on what he will establish in the coming days,” Balluku said.
On the other hand, the former deputy prime minister also spoke about the accusations made against her, stating that she supports the justice system.
“I have made a personal decision, of my own free will, to remain silent regarding a legal matter, because I believe that legal issues are not resolved on social media or in media spectacles, but must follow their proper course as defined by the Constitution, the codes, and the laws in force.
Unlike many others, I have decided not to analyze, not to speak, and not to condemn, but to remain consistent in my position regarding justice. Justice must be free and independent. I believe that the new justice system, as a product of the justice reform and the vision of Rama and the Socialist Party, and as a product of a European Albania, should continue to inspire this country.
This reform was carried out to restore citizens’ trust in a fair and independent justice system. I believe in this justice system, and you will never hear me praising it when it strikes my political opponents—because I have none—nor condemning it if it touches my personal interests. You will never hear me mention prosecutors or judges by name, because I believe they must do their job just as I have done mine.
Everyone must be free to decide and judge without being influenced by public trials, half-truths, or lies. I have not had and do not have any connection with corruption. I am being subjected to a public trial,” Balluku said.
