The situation surrounding Vlora International Airport is being considered an unprecedented precedent and a serious violation of the rule of law.
Through a public reaction, entrepreneur Behgjet Pacolli has denounced that this strategic investment is being held hostage by persons acting illegally, while the responsible institutions continue to remain silent.
According to Pacolli, the public-private partnership (PPP) project, in which the Swiss company Mabco has invested hundreds of millions of euros based on a regular concession contract, is facing illegal actions and self-justification that are seriously damaging its progress.
"What is happening today at Vlora International Airport is a situation beyond any standard of the rule of law. It is difficult to find a precedent where a strategic investment of this level is held hostage for months by persons acting contrary to the law, while the responsible institutions continue to fail to intervene to restore legal order."
The statement emphasizes that despite the fact that the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Mabco in all cases reviewed so far, as well as dozens of complaints submitted to the competent authorities, concrete measures to establish legality have been lacking. This situation is causing multifaceted consequences for investment.
“As a result of this situation, the financial, technical, economic and reputational damages are increasing day by day... This lack of reaction raises serious concerns and creates reasonable suspicions of inappropriate influences on judicial processes and the functioning of the justice systems.”
Faced with this blocking spirit, the Swiss company has officially addressed the highest investigative bodies in Albania to take immediate measures and identify those criminally and institutionally responsible.
“Mabco once again calls on SPAK, the Prosecutor's Office and all responsible institutions to immediately begin full, independent and transparent investigations; to verify any illegal interference; to identify those responsible; to determine criminal and institutional responsibilities; and to take the necessary measures for the immediate restoration of legal order.”
In closing his response, Pacolli underlines that the rule of law cannot be selective nor dependent on certain group interests, while demanding immediate action from the justice system to protect this major investment.
"Vlora Airport cannot continue to be held hostage by illegal interests, while institutions remain silent and a strategic investment for Albania is damaged every day before the eyes of public opinion. The rule of law cannot be selective nor conditioned by narrow interests."
"Justice must act now, with professionalism, independence and determination. Institutional silence cannot be the response to a situation that seriously violates the law, the public interest and the international image of Albania."
