Albania

Political corruption is a serious and ongoing problem in Albania. Pressed by the European Commission and GRECO’s recommendations, the Albanian government has recently adopted a number of measures intended to reduce political corruption in the country. In 2012 it amended the Albanian Constitution to restrict the immunity of high-level public officials, politicians and judges. Other amendments considerably broadened the range of public officials subject to the asset disclosure law and imposed stricter sanctions for violations of the conflict of interest provisions. Legal changes in 2011 brought in new provisions regarding annual funding of political parties, while in 2013 further legislation was passed to improve transparency in party funding. In spite of recent reforms, political corruption continues to be a barrier to Albania’s candidature for EU membership. Despite anti-corruption support from donors, increased public awareness and government promises, the new government’s record after its first six months in office has been mixed. It remains to be seen whether anti-corruption measures remain rhetoric, especially when addressing corruption within the ruling coalition’s own ranks.

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