A direct question about whether the Socialist Party had sought the resignation of the justice minister over the Veliaj case did not receive a clear denial from Taulant Balla. Outside the parliamentary chamber, the head of the Socialist parliamentary group chose to speak about internal procedures, closed-door meetings and the treatment of detainees, leaving the political core of the debate open.
An Indirect Answer to the Question About the Justice Minister
Asked whether the resignation of the justice minister had been sought within the majority over the case of Erion Veliaj, Balla did not give a definitive answer. He said that in every meeting of the Parliamentary Group, MPs raise concerns on specific issues and that these discussions are held behind closed doors.
Such remarks were not accompanied by clarification on whether or not there had been a concrete political demand directed at the minister. Instead of a yes or no, Balla relied on the formula of meeting confidentiality, which in practice avoided transparency on an issue of public interest.
Veliaj, Pretrial Detention and the Majority’s Version
On the case of Erion Veliaj and his transfer to Fier prison, Balla said he had raised similar complaints in other cases as well, including that of former President Ilir Meta. According to him, issues related to the treatment of pretrial detainees and prisoners should be handled within the framework of the standards required by the European Union accession process.
With this line, the political debate shifted from concrete institutional responsibility to a broader formulation about standards. However, it remains unanswered whether there was real dissatisfaction within the Socialist Party over the way the case was handled and whether this translated into a request for removal from office.
The Budget, VAT and the Majority’s Political Message
In his statement, Balla also addressed the votes in parliament and presented the approval of a budget of more than 10 billion euros as positive news. According to him, the fiscal package is also linked to lowering VAT on food and removing the fuel tax.
He insisted that all 82 MPs of the Socialist group are present to vote and support the majority’s decisions. Balla also called on the opposition to take part in the budget vote, while choosing to emphasize the group’s discipline at a time when public questions were focused on possible internal tensions.
The Election Date Too, With a Signal to the President
Balla also commented on the date of the local elections, saying that the majority would not come forward with a specific date. According to him, the President would only be asked not to hold the elections on May 2 because of a religious holiday.
The statement suggests that the Socialist Party is publicly maintaining a formal distance from the head of state’s authority to set the date, while at the same time offering the political direction it prefers.
More than clarification, Balla’s appearance produced a careful evasion on an issue that touches both relations within the majority and the way politically weighty cases are handled. When the question is direct and the answer remains indirect, the space for doubt only widens.