Albania’s ruling Socialist Party has decided to reject a request by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) seeking parliamentary authorization to arrest former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, according to statements made during a meeting of the party’s parliamentary group on Monday.

The decision was presented by Ulsi Manja, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, who argued that Balluku’s departure from government has created a “new reality” and that prosecutors can continue their investigation without imposing an arrest measure.

The majority’s recommendation has already been submitted to the Albanian Parliament, where a separate proposal from the opposition Democratic Party calls for allowing prosecutors to proceed with Balluku’s arrest.

Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the party’s stance during the meeting, saying prosecutors must present strong evidence when requesting the detention of a lawmaker and stressing the importance of the presumption of innocence.

Parliament is expected to vote on the matter on Thursday, the same day opposition parties have announced plans for a nationwide protest.