Ervin Salianji accuses Albanian government of ties to organized crime

Ervin Salianji, a former Democratic Party deputy, has issued strong political accusations against Edi Rama’s government, alleging that organized crime has deeply penetrated Albanian state institutions.

Salianji claims that key state bodies are no longer serving the public interest but are instead under the influence of criminal groups or are staffed by individuals appointed due to gang affiliations. He specifically named Prime Minister Edi Rama, Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, and businessman Ergys Agasi, alleging links between the administration and criminal interests.

The former deputy noted that the arrest or investigation of various high-ranking officials, including ministers and mayors, suggests that corruption is systemic rather than isolated to individuals. He further alleged that the government has created conditions conducive to drug trafficking and linked the current political climate to mass emigration from the country. Salianji called for citizens to take to the streets to demand the removal of the government and the liberation of state institutions.