By Zenel Celiku
TIR-FAX News Agency
In the 2021 general elections, Jurgis Çyrbe, the former director of the Durrës property office, ran as a candidate for the Socialist Party (PS). He secured a fourth spot on the PS’s list of parliamentary candidates, receiving 6,600 preferential votes. Recently, he was summoned by the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) on suspicion of abuse of office during his tenure as property office director in Durrës.
Faced with these charges, Çyrbe made the decision to resign from his parliamentary seat, stepping aside to allow the investigation to proceed without the protection of his parliamentary immunity. Just days ago, SPAK formally charged him with abuse of office for allegedly overlapping property ownership in Durrës. It is believed that Çyrbe’s actions were not deliberate abuse of office but rather negligence. During his tenure, Çyrbe was responsible for signing hundreds of documents daily, and this case appears to be an unfortunate lapse in judgment rather than deliberate misconduct.
Çyrbe’s voluntary resignation deserves recognition, especially given the contrast with other MPs under investigation, such as Republican Party member Fatmir Mediu, who has faced multiple questioning sessions by SPAK but refused to step down from his parliamentary mandate. Çyrbe’s decision reflects a sense of civic responsibility, which stands in stark contrast to other officials who cling to their seats despite serious allegations.
In recent weeks, rumors have surfaced suggesting a potential alliance between the Socialist Party (PS) and the Agrarian Environmentalist Party (PAA), led by Agron Duka. This speculation has gained traction, with some suggesting that PS might leave room for PAA in the upcoming elections, signaling a strategic partnership between the two parties. While both parties have yet to confirm or deny these claims, behind-the-scenes discussions seem to have already laid the groundwork for a collaboration, strengthening the PS’s position as it aims for a fourth consecutive term in power. If these talks are finalized, Duka’s candidacy is expected to bolster PS’s support, especially in Durrës, where Duka’s personal and business connections grant him significant popularity. This could potentially translate into one or two additional MPs for the PS in the Durrës district.
This development poses a serious challenge to the Democratic Party (PD), which has struggled to regain its footing. PAA, despite being a smaller party, performed remarkably well in the last local elections, securing the fourth spot among political forces. As such, any formal alliance between PS and PAA could significantly shift the electoral dynamics in favor of the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the PD continues to face internal challenges. Its recent protests, often described as radicalized, have attracted the criticism of the international community. These actions have been condemned for escalating tensions and undermining dialogue, leaving the opposition party in a precarious position as it seeks to reclaim public trust.
