Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed journalists Friday regarding the case involving former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, after Parliament yesterday declined to authorize her arrest during a plenary session.

Speaking at a press conference, Rama firmly rejected claims that Albania had faced international pressure related to the decision. The prime minister acknowledged that discussions had taken place with some international partners about the approach to the case, but emphasized that these exchanges were constructive and far from the tense scenarios described in public debate.

“On the other hand, it is true that we have had discussions with some of our partners regarding the approach to this issue. This is not a secret,” Rama said. “In this position, I represent Albania, the interests of Albania and all Albanians, and one of the unquestionable principles of this representation is that we look our partners in the eye, at the same level.”

Rama stressed that there had been no threats, pressure, or tension in those discussions, dismissing such claims as inaccurate. According to him, statements issued yesterday by several diplomatic representations, including that of the European Commission, were clear but had been misinterpreted by some commentators.

He added that claims suggesting Albania’s European path had been blocked were misleading and politically motivated.

“The interpretation made by those who claimed that Albania has been blocked and that the European dream is over is, at best, a perverse reading and, at worst, a deliberate attempt to harm those who genuinely want success on this path,” Rama said.

The prime minister concluded that individuals spreading such narratives do not truly wish for Albania’s success in its European integration process, arguing that they wrongly link the country’s progress to the fate of the current government.