Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama defended former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku during a meeting of the ruling Socialist Party of Albania parliamentary group, as lawmakers discussed whether to authorize her arrest following a request from the country’s anti-corruption prosecutors.

Socialist lawmakers presented a recommendation stating that members of the parliamentary council on mandates from the ruling majority would not support granting authorization for Balluku’s arrest.

Speaking at the meeting, Rama said Balluku would continue to lead the Fier political district for the party despite no longer holding executive office.

“I know some among us believe Belinda’s strong electoral victories came from the power of office,” Rama said. “That will be tested in the next local elections. She will continue to lead the region without holding power.”

The prime minister also criticized the prosecution’s handling of the case and what he described as political and media pressure surrounding the investigation. According to Rama, the accusations against Balluku relate to suspicions of unequal treatment in public tenders dating back six years, based on messages allegedly discovered on the phone of a former official.

Rama said the allegations do not involve accusations of theft or corruption and argued that investigators must present stronger evidence before requesting restrictive measures against an elected lawmaker.

The case stems from an investigation by the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which has sought parliamentary authorization to proceed with an arrest measure against Balluku.

Rama said he would not declare Balluku either innocent or guilty, stressing that the outcome should be determined by prosecutors and the courts, but added that the presumption of innocence must be respected while investigations continue.