Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed changes to the law that would allow ministers to remain in office even if they are under criminal investigation. This move follows the suspension of his deputy, Belinda Baluku, after she was charged by Albania's Special Prosecutor's Office for alleged misconduct in an infrastructure projects bidding process, which has drawn public denial from Baluku. Opposition parties claim that Rama's plan aims to protect himself and his officials, while compromising the integrity of the judicial system in Albania.

The ongoing legal controversies include a request from the Special Prosecutor's Office to lift Baluku's immunity for arrest as they pursue their investigation amidst heated political tensions. Rama has decried interventions by the judiciary, asserting that such actions infringe upon the rights of government officials. The conflict highlights a significant rift between judicial authority and government, raising concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Albania.

Moving forward, the Albanian government aspires to join the European Union by 2030, a goal contingent upon substantial progress in combating corruption and improving judicial independence. The European Union has expressed that reforms in these areas are pivotal for Albania's accession. Therefore, the adjustments to legislation proposed by Rama may not only cause political fallout but could also have implications for Albania's EU aspirations, as the bloc closely monitors the situation.