Elisa Spiropali, Albania’s current Chairwoman of the Parliament, has faced repeated allegations of corruption and abuse of power throughout her political career. These accusations, which span her time as Director General of Customs and later as a high-ranking minister, paint a controversial picture of her tenure in public office.
Allegations of Favoritism in Public Procurement
One of the most significant controversies surrounding Spiropali involves allegations of directing public funds to her brother’s company, “Solomon.” According to documents released by the Democratic Party’s Anti-Corruption Department, the Fier and Vlora customs offices approved payments to “Solomon” for office supplies and equipment, including barriers used at customs checkpoints. These contracts, valued at over 17.8 million Albanian Lek, have been described by political opponents as a clear conflict of interest.
The Democratic Party further claimed that the company “Solomon” secured multiple public tenders across various government institutions, allegedly benefiting from Spiropali’s influence. The revelations fueled criticism over the lack of transparency in the awarding of public contracts during her tenure.
Accusations of Smuggling and Mismanagement
During her time as Director General of Customs, Spiropali was also accused of facilitating smuggling operations and turning a blind eye to illegal practices within the customs system. In one notable instance, documents from Greek customs allegedly revealed significant discrepancies in the handling of goods entering Albania under Spiropali’s watch.
According to whistleblowers, the customs offices in Fier and Tirana became hotspots for contraband activities. Reports indicate that staff were instructed to avoid inspections of certain shipments, while others faced intense pressure to comply with directives from Spiropali’s appointees. These actions allegedly enabled the smuggling of large quantities of undeclared goods, costing the state millions in lost revenue.
The “Virgin Oil” Scandal
Perhaps the most high-profile case linked to Spiropali involved the smuggling of 4.4 million liters of crude oil. This operation, which reportedly bypassed customs duties, led to the arrest of several customs officials and sparked an investigation into Spiropali’s role. Although the oil was ostensibly transferred for refining, audits later revealed that the storage facilities were empty, further deepening suspicions of misconduct.
The unpaid excise duties on the oil were estimated to be worth nearly 243 million Albanian Lek. Spiropali was questioned as part of the investigation, but she denied any wrongdoing.
Opposition Criticism
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha has been one of Spiropali’s most vocal critics. In parliamentary sessions and public statements, Berisha accused her of orchestrating schemes to funnel public funds to her family and allies. He pointed specifically to her husband’s involvement in awarding water supply contracts to her brother, calling it a blatant abuse of power.
Berisha described the situation as indicative of a broader culture of corruption within the government, stating:
“Handing public tenders to one’s family is the ultimate betrayal of public trust. This is not just corruption—it is organized theft at the highest level.”
Spiropali’s Defense
Spiropali has consistently denied all allegations, calling them baseless political attacks. She claims that neither she nor her family members have unlawfully benefited from public funds. Addressing the accusations, Spiropali challenged her detractors to present evidence to Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK).
“I have never taken a cent from the taxpayers. These accusations are politically motivated and lack any factual basis,” Spiropali stated in Parliament.
A Legacy Under Scrutiny
Despite her denials, the repeated scandals surrounding Spiropali continue to raise questions about accountability and transparency in Albanian governance. As the Chairwoman of the Parliament, her past remains a focal point for critics who argue that public trust has been eroded by these unresolved allegations.
With ongoing investigations and public scrutiny, the controversies surrounding Spiropali serve as a stark reminder of the challenges Albania faces in combating corruption and ensuring good governance.