Former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku officially handed over her duties as Albania’s Minister of Infrastructure and Energy to the new minister, Enea Karakaçi, on March 6.

During the handover ceremony, Balluku said she has taken a personal decision to remain silent regarding an ongoing legal matter, stressing that such issues should be addressed through the justice system rather than in public debate.

“I have made a personal decision, of my own free will, to remain silent on a legal issue, because I believe legal matters are not resolved on social media or in media debates, but must follow their course as defined by the Constitution and the laws in force,” Balluku said.

She added that she supports the independence of the justice system and expressed confidence in Albania’s justice reform.

Balluku also rejected any connection to corruption allegations.

“I have had no connection with corruption. I am being subjected to a public trial,” she said.