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| Plarent Ndreca at a press release (archive) |
Plarent Ndreca, a Socialist MP and former Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, finds himself at the heart of a major corruption case in Albania. The Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office (SPAK) has implicated Ndreca, along with 15 other former officials, in a scandal involving the tender for reconstructing police precincts. This case sheds light on alleged abuses of power and raises serious questions about integrity in public office, VOA reports.
The Allegations Against Ndreca
SPAK’s investigation centers on a public procurement contract for the reconstruction and design of four police precincts in Mirdita, Vlora, Pogradec, and Tirana. Initially valued at over 54 million lekë (excluding VAT), the project was ultimately reduced to 34.2 million lekë due to limited funding. However, instead of revisiting the bidding process, authorities signed the contract with an operator under terms that favored specific parties.
According to SPAK, Plarent Ndreca, as the head of the contracting authority, played a pivotal role in these violations. The findings allege that he, alongside procurement officials and a project evaluation commission, intentionally bypassed legal requirements to ensure the contract was awarded to a predetermined bidder, Gjon Radovani. This occurred despite Radovani's failure to meet the legal criteria.
SPAK also highlighted fraudulent practices during the implementation phase. Committees overseeing the project signed false documentation to justify progress that had not been achieved. Meanwhile, discrepancies in project payments prompted the State Police Directorate to audit and identify irregularities, halting full payments to the winning bidder.
Political and Public Repercussions
The case against Ndreca carries significant political weight. Since taking a parliamentary seat in January 2023, filling the vacancy left by Arben Ahmetaj—himself embroiled in legal controversies—Ndreca has been a prominent political figure. As deputy chair of a parliamentary commission investigating healthcare concessions, Ndreca was known for heated confrontations with opposition members, particularly Democrat Albana Vokshi.
Now under investigation, Ndreca’s silence speaks volumes. He has refrained from commenting publicly on the charges and avoided appearing before prosecutors, delegating his legal representation to his defense lawyer. This has fueled speculation and criticism about his commitment to transparency and accountability as a public official.
A Reflection of Systemic Issues
Ndreca’s case highlights the broader challenges of corruption within Albania’s governance structures. His rise to power, coupled with allegations of misconduct, underscores the dangers of unchecked authority in key public roles. Corruption not only diverts resources but also undermines public trust in institutions.
For a nation striving to align with European Union standards, such scandals jeopardize progress. Corruption cases, especially those implicating high-ranking officials, weaken Albania’s international reputation and slow its path toward EU integration.
The Need for Accountability
Ndreca’s trial will be a litmus test for Albania’s ability to hold powerful figures accountable. The outcome could set a precedent for tackling corruption, signaling whether the justice system is truly independent or influenced by political interests.
To restore public confidence, it is crucial for SPAK and other oversight institutions to act decisively. This includes not only prosecuting individuals like Ndreca but also addressing the systemic weaknesses that allow such abuses to occur.
The Price of Impunity
Plarent Ndreca’s case is more than a story about one politician; it is a warning about the costs of impunity. Without strong accountability measures, corruption at the highest levels will persist, eroding public trust and compromising Albania's national progress.
As the trial unfolds, the Albanian public and international observers will be watching closely, hoping for a clear message: no one is above the law. Ndreca’s case is an opportunity for Albania to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, justice, and good governance—a chance it cannot afford to miss.