Albania is experiencing a critical phase in its fight against corruption, with a newly strengthened judicial group spearheading inquiries that are unsettling the nation’s political elite. In the past few months, several of the country’s most notable figures—both former and current—have faced examination, indicating a change in a nation long reproached for allowing impunity among its top officials.
At the heart of this effort is SPAK, the Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime, which was created as part of judicial reforms aimed at dismantling entrenched networks of political protection. The institution has grown into one of the most trusted entities in the country, seen by many citizens as a symbol of long-awaited accountability. Recent surveys show that a clear majority of Albanians believe SPAK is finally tackling cases that were once untouchable.
The prosecutions now unfolding are unprecedented in scale. A former president has been indicted on multiple charges, including corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and concealing assets. His spouse also faces allegations, highlighting the breadth of the inquiry. Meanwhile, the leader of the main opposition party—himself a former prime minister and president—has begun standing trial on accusations of abusing power for private gain, linked to high-value property deals in the capital. These cases are among the first where the nation’s most influential political figures face the prospect of significant prison sentences, breaking with a history in which top officials were rarely held accountable.
To bolster these judicial efforts, Albania has increased resources for its anti-corruption framework. SPAK’s budget has been expanded significantly to strengthen its investigative capacity. This includes the acquisition of advanced surveillance equipment, improved digital infrastructure, and enhanced protections for prosecutors handling sensitive cases. Such investments aim to reduce vulnerabilities to intimidation and ensure investigations move forward without interference.
These actions unfold as Albania advances in its bid for membership in the European Union. Brussels has long emphasized the fight against corruption as a central condition for accession. The new prosecutions, combined with institutional upgrades, are viewed as essential steps in aligning Albania’s governance with EU standards. International observers have noted tangible improvements, particularly in the independence of prosecutors and the growing willingness to pursue high-level cases.
Although there have been improvements, certain obstacles persist. Investigations still highlight the presence of systemic corruption in different levels of government and the corporate sector. Local governments, procurement systems, and public services are still at risk of unlawful activities. Transparency in government bodies is frequently lacking, and the application of anti-corruption policies is inconsistent. Experts emphasize the importance of significant cultural transformation, enhanced protection for whistleblowers, and sustained political determination across political parties for reforms to be sustained.
Beyond prosecutions, Albania is working to embed anti-corruption practices into its broader governance structures. The government has updated its national action plan to clarify institutional roles, improve oversight, and strengthen coordination among agencies. Training programs for civil servants and judicial staff are being expanded, while universities and legal institutions are introducing courses designed to instill professional ethics and reinforce standards of integrity in future generations of officials.
For a large number of Albanians, witnessing former untouchable leaders appearing before the judiciary signifies a significant change. People who had become used to influential individuals behaving without consequences are now witnessing proof that organizations are acquiring the power to make them answerable. The challenge moving forward is to guarantee that these actions are neither momentary nor driven by political motives, but are a component of an enduring reform of Albania’s judicial system.
The path is far from complete. Yet the actions taken so far—criminal prosecutions, institutional investment, and international collaboration—are building momentum. As Albania continues its European integration process, the credibility of this anti-corruption drive will remain a central factor. What is at stake is not only the country’s political future but also the trust of its citizens in the promise of a fair and accountable state.