Albanian leaders Rama and Balluku face probe over power plants

Gazment Bardhi, head of the Democratic Party's parliamentary group, accused Prime Minister Edi Rama and Energy Minister Belinda Balluku of a major corruption case involving the floating thermal power plants ‘Tiger 1’ and ‘Tiger 3’ in Vlorë. He argued that the projects caused a loss of at least €80 million for Albania, citing that from January 2024 to April 2026 the plants generated only about 102 MW‑h compared with the contract’s promised 850 MW‑h per year.

Bardhi urged the Special Prosecution (SPAK) to examine the procurement contracts, production figures and costs, claiming the tenders were predetermined and that the facilities deliver far less energy than paid for. Government officials have defended the projects, but the opposition maintains that the contracts resulted in significant public‑fund losses and demand accountability for the prime minister and the energy minister.