Two Republican lawmakers, Rep. Joe Wilson and House Europe Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Keith Self, have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to utilize visa restriction authority against Albanian officials implicated in significant corruption, citing democratic backsliding in the NATO ally. This call comes as Albania is rocked by escalating protests, with tens of thousands demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over allegations of widespread corruption, inadequate public services, and a weakening rule of law. The lawmakers specifically requested the State Department investigate Albanian officials and their immediate families for designation under Section 7031(c) of the appropriations act, expressing deep concern that anti-corruption efforts are undermined when political leaders shield investigated officials, referencing the stalled prosecution of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. The protests, which have seen clashes with police and attacks on government buildings, mirror recent student-led movements in neighboring Serbia that led to a change in leadership, raising concerns about Albania’s path to European Union membership amidst the turmoil and the government’s response to citizens demanding accountability.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
