Oct 27, 2024 – Albania’s opposition official, Gazmend Bardhi has filed a criminal complaint against Prime Minister Edi Rama and several Albanian ambassadors, accusing them of violating diplomatic neutrality by attending what he called “party-driven” diaspora events. Bardhi, who chairs the Democratic Party parliamentary group, said the ambassadors’ involvement in gatherings led by Rama and Socialist Party senior official Taulant Balla in multiple countries, including the United States and Germany, undermines their impartiality.
Bardhi argued that the events represented a misuse of state resources, stating that diplomats should not attend politically motivated meetings, particularly in the lead-up to parliamentary elections. “The involvement of diplomats in such activities crosses a line, blurring state and party roles,” Bardhi said, adding that he has instructed the preparation of a formal complaint to Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK).
Under Albanian law, misuse of government resources for election purposes is punishable by up to three years in prison. Bardhi’s allegations include charges against Rama, Balla, and diplomatic staff in multiple nations for allegedly “abusing their office” and damaging Albania’s international reputation.
The opposition official also called on Albanian President Bajram Begaj to intervene and hold diplomats accountable, calling it “unprecedented” for state officials to be involved in campaign-like activities. “The Diplomatic Corps has a duty to represent the country impartially,” Bardhi stated, noting that such involvement could distort Albania’s democratic process.
