2026 Bank of Albania law: governor protection from arrest (84 votes)
Status: Adopted by Assembly (84 votes; date not confirmed in this session)
Summary
The 2026 draft law 'Per Bankën e Shqiperise' (RENJK 1016, 15 Jul 2026) includes a special immunity from arrest for the Governor of the Bank of Albania. The Socialist majority passed it by 84 votes amid tensions. Rama voted for it and left the chamber, according to Kohajone. Opposition leader Berisha said Rama was seeking protection for himself (Albeu). The European Commission said that after EU accession Protocol 7 of the EU Statute of the ESCB would apply (Kohajone). That is relevant because the governor is a potential SPAK target (microcredit complaint).
This law is the clearest example in the sources of Rama's majority creating a legal shield for an official who is under a SPAK preliminary file. Whether it extends to ministers or to Rama himself is not stated in the sources reviewed.
Key facts
- Draft RENJK 1016 published for consultation on 15 Jul 2026.
- Assembly approved the law with changes; reported 84 votes (Euronews Albania, Ekofin, CNA).
- Rama voted and left the chamber (Kohajone).
- Entry into force 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette (draft Art. 116).
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (2)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- The draft law and its immunity provision exist (official consultation document).
- The Assembly approved the law with 84 votes (multiple outlets).
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationThat the immunity is tailored to protect the governor and allies (opposition claim).
Allegations and who made them (1)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationBerisha: Rama is seeking protection for himself (Albeu, quoted in.
Open questions (2)
- Does the immunity provision survive into the final text published in the Official Gazette?
- Does the immunity extend to any other official?
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- PS MP Balla said the governor will enjoy the rights of his EU peers (Gazeta Tema headline). Berisha called it unprecedented (Top Channel).
Timeline
Full timeline →Government
Draft Bank of Albania law with governor immunity published for consultation
Draft RENJK 1016 includes special protection from arrest for the Governor.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 2 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 2 sources
- Publisher
- Government of Albania (public consultation)
- Date
- 15 Jul 2026
- Publisher
- Kohajone
- Date
- not recorded