The Democratic Party Parliamentary Group has officially requested an urgent interpellation with Prime Minister Edi Rama, in accordance with the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, to provide explanations regarding the impact of organized crime on the economy and its strengthening through public funds, licenses and permits.
In the request signed by Gazment Bardhi, the DP raises direct accusations of protecting and favoring individuals involved in international drug trafficking networks, among whom is Artur Shehu, who, according to data from the Italian Antimafia and other law enforcement agencies, leads a criminal organization that operates in several countries.
Bardhi requests that Edi Rama provide clarifications before the Parliament on several essential issues, including:
• Whether the Prime Minister was aware of the meeting documented by the Italian Antimafia, held on the island of Aruba (January 24–31, 2019), where senior exponents of the Albanian government are suspected to have participated.
• Whether Rama was informed by the national security services about the content of this meeting.
• Whether Artur Shehu or persons associated with him have obtained construction permits, public contracts, concessions or PPPs, through government-dependent institutions.
• Whether the Prime Minister has personally met with Artur Shehu, or has he ever held government or electoral meetings on his properties, which are under investigation for money laundering.
• What concrete measures has the government taken to prevent the penetration of organized crime into the economy, as warned in the US State Department Report.
In conclusion, Bardhi emphasizes that Thursday will test whether Edi Rama "will have the courage to appear in Parliament to respond to the empowerment of a person declared to be the leader of an international drug trafficking organization."
