Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, addressed the media following a parliamentary session, commenting on Albania’s record budget, the transfer of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj to Fier prison and the timing of the upcoming local elections.

Speaking outside parliament, Balla described the newly approved budget as a historic milestone, saying it exceeds €10 billion for the first time in Albania’s history as a state.

“Albanians have received the good news today that we have the first budget exceeding €10 billion in our entire history as a state,” Balla said, pointing to fiscal measures that include a reduction in value-added tax on food and the removal of fuel taxes. He added that the government believes the opposition should also participate in the budget vote.

Balla also defended the attendance and voting record of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, stating that all 82 members were present to support the decisions under consideration.

Addressing questions about internal party discussions, Balla said lawmakers were encouraged to raise specific concerns during parliamentary group meetings. However, he stressed that these discussions take place behind closed doors and are not shared publicly.

Commenting on the case of Erion Veliaj, whose transfer to Fier prison has reportedly sparked debate within the Socialist Party, Balla said he had previously received complaints concerning other detainees, including former President Ilir Meta, and had referred those concerns to the relevant ministers.

He argued that issues involving the treatment of people held in pretrial detention and convicted prisoners should be addressed within the broader framework of Albania’s European Union accession process.

Balla’s remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of Veliaj’s transfer and questions about the institutional handling of detainees and prisoners.