PM Rama’s Big Shake-Up as SPAK Closes In

Prime Minister Edi Rama carried out a significant cabinet reshuffle on February 26th, marking one of the most extensive changes during his fourth term. The move occurred amidst increasing scrutiny from the government and an intensified anti-corruption push led by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK). Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure and Energy Minister Belinda Balluku was removed from her position.

This action follows a criminal investigation in which prosecutors are seeking to lift her parliamentary immunity, potentially leading to coercive measures. Balluku has not been convicted, but her dismissal reflects the political weight of the case and the government’s reliance on discipline. The reshuffle extended to foreign affairs and defense.

Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali was replaced shortly after taking office, and Defense Minister Pirro Vengu was removed after a similarly brief tenure. These rapid changes in ministries central to state credibility and national security have fueled perceptions of a reactive response to crisis dynamics rather than a planned reorganization. Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s ambassador to the European Union, was appointed as foreign minister.

This appointment represents a return to a career diplomat at the head of the ministry, aligning with a desire for more professional management of international files, particularly as domestic turbulence impacts Albania’s European track. Enea Karakaçi was named to lead the Infrastructure and Energy portfolio, providing continuity in operational management while distancing the ministry from Balluku’s legal troubles. Furthermore, the reshuffle impacted the rule-of-law and security sectors, highlighting the importance of institutional credibility for the government’s survival.

Interior and justice portfolios were also affected. The appointment of a new defense minister is notable due to defense’s role as a NATO-linked institution operating in a complex regional environment. The cabinet changes occurred against a backdrop of accumulating scandals, eroding the government’s legitimacy.

Balluku’s case triggered the reshuffle, alongside a national security controversy involving ALSAHI, a suspected criminal group operating within a security institution. These cases contribute to a narrative of vulnerability to criminal penetration and illicit economic activity, particularly within the construction sector. A Western diplomatic source described the moment as the beginning of visible cracks in the governing model.

The pressure stems from political competition, legal scrutiny, scandal accumulation, and public distrust. The opposition is attempting to unify demands for the government’s resignation and the formation of a transitional administration. Disputes over electoral integrity persist, with allegations of structural imbalances and misuse of state resources in recent elections.

This political turbulence extends to external relations, raising questions about the EU and Western partners’ approach to Albania, where EU membership support remains high despite ongoing rule-of-law and democratic standards concerns. Critics argue that the EU has prioritized stability over confronting governance distortions and organized crime penetration. Rama’s allies are expected to portray the reshuffle as decisive leadership, while critics view it as a defensive reset.

The key test will determine whether these changes stabilize the government’s credibility or if SPAK’s momentum, combined with ongoing scandals and polarization, will dictate the government’s trajectory.

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