The visit of SPAK leader Altin Dumani to the US Department of State (DASH) has sparked strong reactions in the Albanian political scene, especially due to the sensitive time at which it occurred - just a few days before the creation of the new governing cabinet.
Chronicle journalist Klodiana Lala emphasized on News24 that the visit has created concern among the majority, especially among Prime Minister Rama, who is trying to avoid including in the cabinet people who are under investigation by SPAK.
According to her, if a new minister turns out to be under investigation, this would be a strong blow to Rama, negatively affecting his political and international image. This becomes even more sensitive after a number of names involved in investigations in recent years, including former minister Lefter Koka, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj, former MP Jurgis Çyrbja, as well as former minister Ilir Beqaj.
Lala also emphasized that the US has been the main supporter of justice reform, but the way it has been implemented in practice, according to her, has had shortcomings.
"SPAK has stated that a minister is under investigation but his name has not been made public. Duman's visit to the State Department has "unsettled" Rama as he will try to avoid persons under investigation from the cabinet, so he needs as much information as possible. Taking the minister under investigation would hit Rama. You know how many have been affected, Koka, Veliaj, Çyrbja, Beqaj, etc. There are many other issues that have been discussed, but the US does not speak with names, but with priorities.
"The US were strong supporters of the reform, Albania needed a reform and shake-up of the system, but the way it was done was wrong," she said.
