Albanian Democratic Party Leader Files Lawsuit Against Minister Xhaçka

Gazment Bardhi, the chairman of the Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party in Albania, has filed a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court against Minister Delina Xhaçka. Bardhi alleges that Xhaçka is being protected by Prime Minister Edi Rama, and he is seeking to restore the "violated dignity of the Constitution".

The lawsuit comes after the Albanian Parliament voted against sending the mandate of socialist MP Olta Xhaçka for consideration in the Constitutional Court during a session on April 11. Bardhi claims that the Socialist Party has openly violated the decisions of justice by becoming Xhaçka's political shield.

According to Bardhi, the Assembly has declared itself sovereign over the decisions of the Constitutional Court, which he says has never happened before. He states that the Constitutional Court's decisions have been "thrown into the bin" with a political vote, while the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) is investigating the alleged robbery of 11,000 square meters of land from Olta Xhaçka.

Why this matters: The lawsuit highlights ongoing political tensions and allegations of corruption in Albania. It also raises questions about the independence and authority of the Constitutional Court in relation to the Parliament and ruling party.

Bardhi says the opposition does not leave the issues raised on the street and that the Constituent Assembly should meet urgently to restore the "desecrated dignity of the Constitution". He will hold a press release after submitting the lawsuit at 12:30 today. "The Constitutional Court's decisions have been 'thrown into the bin' with a political vote, while SPAK is investigating the robbery of 11,000 square meters of land from Olta Xhaçka," Bardhi stated.

Key Takeaways

• Gazment Bardhi files lawsuit against Minister Delina Xhaçka in Constitutional Court
• Alleges Xhaçka is protected by PM Edi Rama, seeks to restore "violated dignity of Constitution"
• Parliament voted against sending mandate of socialist MP Olta Xhaçka to Constitutional Court
• Bardhi claims Assembly declared itself sovereign over Constitutional Court decisions
• SPAK investigating alleged robbery of 11,000 sq.m. of land from Olta Xhaçka