Former Health Minister Ilir Beqaj testified before a parliamentary inquiry committee on Monday about a €100 million sterilization and medical check-up concession approved nearly a decade ago.
Escorted by police and joined by his attorney, Beqaj arrived at parliament around 10 a.m. Although first on the witness list, his testimony had not begun five hours later due to procedural arguments among lawmakers. Beqaj’s request to use audiovisual aids sparked prolonged debate, with opposing members of the inquiry panel questioning the need for such materials.
Socialist MPs argued that audiovisual aids would clarify Beqaj’s statement, accusing opponents of blocking his right to testify. Opposition members said that Beqaj could present his statement without visual support, a privilege not afforded to other witnesses.
The chairwoman of the inquiry committee Albana Vokshi dismissed Beqaj’s request, stating that the commission was prepared with extensive questions on the healthcare concession and was focused solely on factual testimony. “Mr. Beqaj, will you read your statement? We have numerous questions on the concession,” Vokshi remarked, urging him to proceed.
SPAK, Albania’s special anti-corruption unit, has charged Beqaj with abuse of office over alleged inflated costs and potential conflicts of interest related to the concession. SPAK has also implicated former Deputy Health Minister Klodian Rrjepaj in document falsification and Ilir Rrapaj, a concession-linked entrepreneur, on fraud charges.
The inquiry session was frequently interrupted by exchanges between opposition and ruling party members, delaying Beqaj’s statement by several hours.
