Taulant Balla
Socialist Party (PS)
Legal status
Not charged
not-charged
What this means: No criminal charge against this person is recorded in the sources reviewed.
Conflicting records. The research disagrees; every version is shown and none has been chosen as correct.
- Legal status
- not-chargedFrom the research record · cites:
- Taulant Balla (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · unknown (page undated; fetched 2026-10-31) · wiki · EN
- Balla: 'Askush nuk është i fajshëm...' / Balluku procedure (Balkanweb, 23 Feb 2026) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 23 Feb 2026 · journalism · SQ
- Balla deshmon në GJKKO për dosjen Partizani (Balkanweb, 30 Apr 2026) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 30 Apr 2026 · journalism · SQ
- and 5 more in that record
- unknownFrom the research record · cites:
- Shqiptarja, 9 July 2018 magistrates' law article (quote from Balla) (opens in a new tab)Shqiptarja · 9 Jul 2018 · journalism · SQ
- not-chargedFrom the research record · cites:
- Source label
- UNDER_INVESTIGATIONFrom the research record · cites:
- Taulant Balla (opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · unknown (page undated; fetched 2026-10-31) · wiki · EN
- Balla: 'Askush nuk është i fajshëm...' / Balluku procedure (Balkanweb, 23 Feb 2026) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 23 Feb 2026 · journalism · SQ
- Balla deshmon në GJKKO për dosjen Partizani (Balkanweb, 30 Apr 2026) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 30 Apr 2026 · journalism · SQ
- and 5 more in that record
- UNVERIFIEDFrom the research record · cites:
- Shqiptarja, 9 July 2018 magistrates' law article (quote from Balla) (opens in a new tab)Shqiptarja · 9 Jul 2018 · journalism · SQ
- UNDER_INVESTIGATIONFrom the research record · cites:
Profile
Taulant Balla is a Socialist Party MP and has led the party's parliamentary group in reporting from 2023 and 2026. Wikipedia lists him as Minister of Internal Affairs from July 2023 to July 2024 and as Minister of State for Parliament Relations until September 2025; these ministerial dates rest on Wikipedia alone. He filed the criminal complaint on the privatisation of the Partizani complex; he was heard by SPAK as complainant on 7 June 2023 and testified at the GJKKO trial on 30 April 2026. In February 2012 the Assembly lifted his immunity in the inquiry into the 21 January 2011 protest; he backed the lifting. On 23 February 2026 he spoke for the PS group on SPAK's request to arrest Belinda Balluku, saying the plenary, not the Mandates Council, grants authorisation. His individual vote on 12 March 2026 was not found.
Response from Taulant Balla
On 30 Apr 2026 (Balkanweb, Albanian): 'I performed my duty as any citizen would, in the public interest' (translated) (original: 'Kam kryer detyrën si çdo qytetar, në dobi të interesit publik'); he said the decision to file was his personally, not the group's. On 23 Feb 2026 he said: 'No one is guilty as long as there is no final court decision' (translated) (original: 'Askush nuk është i fajshëm sa kohë nuk ka një vendim të formës së prerë të gjykatës'). On the 23 Jul 2026 protester demand, the fetched Balkanweb page contains no reply from Balla; a headline on a different page reports his reply but was not fetched. Berisha and the Democratic Party have accused him in the Partizani context; those accusations are political claims, not findings.
Other accounts in the research (3 fields worded differently)
This record appears in more than one research record. The main text above comes from one; the other versions are kept here unedited.
- Biography
- Taulant Balla is a Socialist Party MP and has led the party's parliamentary group in reporting from 2023 and 2026. Wikipedia lists him as Minister of Internal Affairs from July 2023 to July 2024 and as Minister of State for Parliament Relations until September 2025; these ministerial dates rest on Wikipedia alone. He filed the criminal complaint on the privatisation of the Partizani complex; he was heard by SPAK as complainant on 7 June 2023 and testified at the GJKKO trial on 30 April 2026. In February 2012 the Assembly lifted his immunity in the inquiry into the 21 January 2011 protest; he backed the lifting. On 23 February 2026 he spoke for the PS group on SPAK's request to arrest Belinda Balluku, saying the plenary, not the Mandates Council, grants authorisation. His individual vote on 12 March 2026 was not found.From the research record
- Socialist Party politician and MP. Quoted in 2018 on the magistrates' law vote needing 84 votes. Asked in this research to be quoted on a 2026 statement about most concerns being disinformation; no such statement was found in any source.From the research record
- Socialist figure who filed the 2017-2018 complaint on PD's US lobbying payments and, after the 2020 appeal dismissal, said he would ask SPAK to re-investigate PD funding. He also called for investigation of the Kryemadhi Russian-payment reporting in 2023.From the research record
- Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman. In October 2021 he said there would be no negotiation with PD in exchange for votes on the constitutional vetting-deadline extension and described the extension as a suggestion from international partners. He is quoted in the 2022 vetting-extension coverage.From the research record
- Legal status detail
- No criminal charge against him found in sources reviewed. Role in the Partizani case: complainant and witness (SPAK summons 7 Jun 2023; GJKKO testimony, reported 30 Apr 2026). Immunity lifted by the Assembly on 2 Feb 2012 (protest inquiry, vote reported as 118 for, 8 against, 2 abstentions; see event ev-2012-02-02-balla-immunity-lifted). Wikipedia notes a 2018 plagiarism assertion over his PhD and a 2019 referral to a consultative body of the education ministry; no criminal case found for that. A 23 Jul 2026 protester demand asked the Constitutional Court to review his mandate (no ruling found).From the research record
- A 2025 SPAK complaint against Balla filed by PD's Gazment Bardhi is mentioned in a search summary only; outcome not found.From the research record
- No legal status found in this search.From the research record
- Response
- On 30 Apr 2026 (Balkanweb, Albanian): 'I performed my duty as any citizen would, in the public interest' (translated) (original: 'Kam kryer detyrën si çdo qytetar, në dobi të interesit publik'); he said the decision to file was his personally, not the group's. On 23 Feb 2026 he said: 'No one is guilty as long as there is no final court decision' (translated) (original: 'Askush nuk është i fajshëm sa kohë nuk ka një vendim të formës së prerë të gjykatës'). On the 23 Jul 2026 protester demand, the fetched Balkanweb page contains no reply from Balla; a headline on a different page reports his reply but was not fetched. Berisha and the Democratic Party have accused him in the Partizani context; those accusations are political claims, not findings.From the research record
- No response to the 2026 immunity draft found.From the research record
- Not found.From the research record
- Statement of 19 Oct 2021 (Shqiptarja): 'There has not been, there is not, and there will not be any negotiation on this' (translated).From the research record
Related cases
Sorted by reported money, then by linked people and their legal status. The money figure is the largest single reported figure, not a total.
From 22 Aug 2018
Edmond Bego allegations against Taulant Balla (2018)
In August 2018 the Democratic Party alleged that convicted trafficker Edmond Bego won public tenders because of his ties to Balla. Luçjano Boçi (25 Aug 2018) cited about 14 million euro in tenders…
Status: Allegations only. No prosecutorial or court finding on Balla found.
From 11 Apr 2021
Patronazhistet scandal: the Socialist Party's patronage network and the April 2021 voter database
On 11 April 2021, two weeks before the 25 April 2021 parliamentary election, the Albanian online portal Lapsi.al published a database that it said was held by the Socialist Party (PS). Reports…
Status: Allegation disputed. No charges, no final court decision and no Commissioner decision on the database found. The seizure of Lapsi.al equipment was halted…
From Mar 2023
Bulqizë municipality water-supply tender (Lefter Alla case)
SPAK arrested former Socialist mayor Lefter Alla in March 2023 with other municipal officials and a tender winner. The case concerns a water-supply tender; the Shqiptarja headline gives 322 million…
Status: Convicted at first instance (GJKKO, 28 Dec 2023); appeal reportedly upheld (2024, not fetched)
From 2013
Civil suit: Jamarbër Malltezi v. Taulant Balla over the Partizani complex (2013-2022)
Jamarbër Malltezi, son-in-law of former PM Sali Berisha, sued Balla for moral damage over Balla's statements about the privatisation of the Partizani complex. Search snippets say a Tirana court in…
Status: Reported as concluded with Malltezi's loss (Shqiptarja headline). Dates and amounts not verified.
From 2017
CEZ parliamentary commission: conflict-of-interest objection to Balla as chair (c. 2017)
When Taulant Balla chaired the parliamentary commission investigating the CEZ privatisation, PD MP Arben Ristani asked that he step down, arguing a conflict of interest because of court proceedings…
Status: Dispute reported. No formal finding found.
From Jul 2023
Police officers linked to Sky/EncroChat messaging: Europol list handed to Albania
Europol passed Albanian authorities a list of police officers allegedly linked, through Sky and EncroChat communications, to members of criminal groups. Interior Minister Taulant Balla said in 2023…
Status: Investigations reported; no official police-specific count
From 21 Jan 2011
Immunity lifting for three Socialist MPs over the 21 January 2011 protest inquiry
In February 2012 the Assembly voted on whether to lift the immunity of three Socialist MPs (Taulant Balla, Tom Doshi and Besnik Baraj) so prosecutors could investigate their role in the 21 January…
Status: Immunity lifted (reported); outcome of the investigation not found
From 28 Oct 2011
Slander case: Agron Kulicaj v. Taulant Balla (2011-2012)
In October 2011 a Tirana court, judge Rezarta Vigani, found Socialist MP Taulant Balla guilty of slander against police official Agron Kulicaj and imposed a fine of 700,000 lek, according to Top…
Status: Returned to first instance by Court of Appeal (Apr 2012). Final outcome not found.
From 16 Jul 2019
Arben Malaj's allegation of threats by Balla over the Bank of Albania board (2019)
In July 2019 Bank of Albania Supervisory Council member Arben Malaj alleged in a Facebook post that Socialist parliamentary group chair Taulant Balla sent him threats after Malaj refused Balla's…
Status: Allegation by Malaj only. No Balla response or parliamentary record found in sources reviewed.
From 24 Apr 2013
Civil defamation case: Genc Pollo v. Taulant Balla (2013)
On 24 April 2013 the Civil Court (judge Bledar Abdullai) partially accepted a suit by former minister Genc Pollo against Socialist MP Taulant Balla. The court found that Balla caused moral damage to…
Status: First-instance civil ruling (2013). Appeal status not found.
From 2013
Defamation suits between Shkëlzen Berisha and Taulant Balla (2013 and 2026)
Shkëlzen Berisha, son of former PM Sali Berisha, has filed defamation suits against Balla. Search snippets give conflicting accounts of an earlier (2013) proceeding: one says Judge Ardiana Bera…
Status: 24 Jul 2026: partially accepted per BalkanWeb. Other rulings conflicting or unknown. Appeals not found.
From Oct 2018
PhD thesis plagiarism complaint: Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (2018-2019)
Taulant Balla's PhD thesis, 'The Reform of Decision-Making System in the European Union' (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași), was named in a wider plagiarism controversy involving Albanian…
Status: Referred to CNATDCU (2019). Outcome not found.
Linked through the connections map
From 2021
Tirana Outer Ring Road (Lot 4) procurement
SPAK's second tender allegation in the November 2025 indictment concerns Lot 4 of the Tirana Outer Ring Road, procured in 2021 by ARRSH. SPAK alleges Balluku guided the procedure and acted with…
Status: Under investigation. Part of the indictment reported in Nov 2025. Further accusations reported 7 Aug 2026.
From 21 Oct 2023
Partizani complex privatisation (Sali Berisha and Jamarber Malltezi)
SPAK alleges that former Prime Minister Sali Berisha used his office to help his son-in-law Jamarber Malltezi obtain the privatisation of the former Partizani sports complex in Tirana, and that the…
Status: On trial at GJKKO; no verdict found in sources reviewed
From 16 Jul 2026
Tirana Police Station No. 3: two General Patrol inspectors arrested in flagrante for passive corruption
On 16 July 2026 the Police Oversight Agency (AMP) arrested two General Patrol inspectors of Police Station No. 3 in Tirana, aged 25 and 23 according to BalkanWeb. The arrests followed the publication…
Status: Under investigation (Tirana Prosecutor's Office)
A case listed here names this person. It does not mean they are accused in it; read the case page.
Connections
Open the map →Parliamentary group chair / PS leadership
Evidence: Balla is named as chairman of the PS parliamentary group in reporting; full role evidence is in.
- Official position→Tirana Police Station No. 3: two General Patrol inspectors arrested in flagrante for passive corruptionSource label: Officially reported
Interior Minister; AMP (under the ministry's oversight area) made the arrests
Evidence: AMP made the July 2026 arrests. The minister's role here is oversight of the ministry; no finding against him in this case.
Slander case, 2011-2012
Evidence: Tirana court fine of 700,000 lek (Oct 2011) and Court of Appeal return of Kulicaj's suit (Apr 2012), both reported by Top Channel.
Civil defamation, 30,000 lek
Evidence: Civil Court partial acceptance of Pollo's suit, 24 Apr 2013 (Top Channel).
Civil suit over Partizani statements
Evidence: Shqiptarja headline: Malltezi lost the civil trial against Balla over Partizani (headline only). Amounts are from search snippets.
Slander suits, 2013 and 2026
Evidence: BalkanWeb 24 Jul 2026: court partially accepted Shkëlzen Berisha's slander suit against Balla.
Balla's 1 million lek suit against Salianji
Evidence: Shqiptarja headline: Balla sues Salianji for 1 million lek over the Bego travel claims. Outcome not found.
Alleged threats over BSH board selection (alleged by Malaj)
Evidence: Malaj's 2019 Facebook post as reported by Shqiptarja (16 Jul 2019). No Balla response recorded.
Conflict-of-interest objection to Balla as CEZ commission chair (c. 2017)
Evidence: Top Channel English report: Ristani asked Balla to step down as chair; Balla denied conflict. No formal ruling found.
- Investigation→Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași (Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza)Source label: Under investigation
Thesis complaint referred to CNATDCU (2019)
Evidence: Exit.al, 19 Apr 2019: Ethics Committee found the complaint valid and forwarded it to CNATDCU. No decision found.
alleged friendship and travel; no company tie found
Evidence: PD (Boçi, Aug 2018) says Bego is a family friend of Balla. Balla said he knows Bego and travelled with him once, denied preferential tenders, and said he was not aware of the conviction (Exit.al, 19 Oct 2018). No Balla company ownership documented.
- Investigation→Partizani complex privatisation (Sali Berisha and Jamarber Malltezi)Source label: Officially reported
Complainant and witness in Partizani file
Evidence: Balla filed the complaint (2020, search summary); heard by SPAK 7 Jun 2023 and at GJKKO 30 Apr 2026 (Balkanweb, abcnews).
PS group spokesman on Balluku arrest request
Evidence: On 23 Feb 2026 Balla said the plenary, not the Mandates Council, grants authorisation.
PS group head on Tahiri immunity (2017)
Evidence: Balla said the PS would not vote against justice (Top Channel, 20 Oct 2017).
PS group reaction to Alla arrest
Evidence: Balla: 'We do not protect anyone...' (translated) (original: 'Ne nuk mbrojmë askënd...') (Shqiptarja, 20 Mar 2023).
What they said vs. what the documents show
What was said · 15 Dec 2015
Balla (then vice leader of the Socialist parliamentary group) said a letter presented by the DP was a fabrication. Exact quotes as given by Top Channel: "Is it normal to lie to the Albanian people so openly, just for the political benefits of a small group of people." and "Unfortunately, Berisha and Basha have been doing this for the past 25 years, with the hope that something will remain." He also called the opposition's conduct "shameful and criminal."
Speaker: Taulant Balla
SP, Balla: 'Ristani's letter, fabrication of DP' (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 15 Dec 2015 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
The article says the letter allegedly denounced people hired without merit. It does not describe the letter's contents further, and no document reviewed shows whether the letter was genuine or fabricated. No fact-check of this statement was found.
What was said · 5 Aug 2019
Exit.al paraphrases Balla as saying the local elections 'are over and completed on June 30'. His quoted words in the article: "June 30 elections were an important moment when country's citizens, law and Constitution won." and "I think we shouldn't make the opposition behavior even more ridiculous [...]" (translation as published).
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Socialist Party ignores local election date set by President, promises electoral reform (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · 5 Aug 2019 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
Per the same Exit.al article, a presidential decree cancelled the 30 June local elections and set 13 October as the new date. The article is internally inconsistent: it also says the President and opposition called for elections on 30 October 'in compliance with the presidential decree'. The decree itself was not opened.
- Socialist Party ignores local election date set by President (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · 5 Aug 2019 · journalism · EN
What was said · 13 Jan 2020
On the anti-slander package, Balla said (Albanian, translation as published): "Më 20 janar dekretet i njoftohen Kuvendit, dhe në seancën më të parë dekretet e z. Meta do të rrëzohen." ('The decrees will be submitted to Parliament on January 20, and at the first session Mr. Meta's decrees will be overturned.') He also said that President Meta, following Lulzim Basha's order, would send back two laws by decree (translation). He said the legal changes had been fully certified by the OSCE.
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Meta ktheu anti-shpifjen, Taulant Balla: e mori urdhërin nga Lulzim Basha (opens in a new tab)BalkanWeb · 13 Jan 2020 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
The Venice Commission's June 2020 opinion was reported as critical of the package, saying it should not be adopted in its current form and had potential for abuse; reporting says it recommended self-regulation. President Meta's returned-law message cited constitutional concerns (Articles 14, 15, 29 and 30, as listed by BalkanWeb). No document reviewed supports the claim that Meta acted on Basha's order. The claim that the package was fully certified by the OSCE is not reflected in the reporting reviewed.
- The Venice Commission calls on the government to review the anti defamation package (opens in a new tab)Citizens.al · 5 Jun 2020 · journalism · EN
- Venice Commission Opposes Albanian Anti-Defamation Law (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · unknown · journalism · EN
What was said · 31 Mar 2023
On Top Channel's reporting on Monika Kryemadhi's Russian-money file, Balla said (translations as published): "should not remain simply as another affair with Russian money"; "Albania has been vulnerable and the object of financing from offshore shell companies"; "What Top Channel has discovered is the genuine scheme used by the Kremlin"; "This is a connection with politicians to damage democracy and create pro-Russian fronts in these countries."
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Socialist group leader on Kryemadhi's Russian money: national security was violated, facts revealed by Top Channel should be investigated (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 31 Mar 2023 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
The underlying documentary basis is Top Channel's own reporting, which this file did not verify. The Kryemadhi file is covered in existing records: claim-kryemadhi-denial-2023, doc-topchannel-kryemadhi-2023 and conn-kryemadhi-russian-paymentsand. The general claim about offshore financing was not tested against any document here.
- Top Channel 2023 Kryemadhi reporting (see doc-topchannel-kryemadhi-2023) (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 31 Mar 2023 · journalism · EN
What was said · 23 Jul 2026
As reported by an unnamed protester speaking in front of the Prime Minister's Office: "taulant balla na ka quajtur terroristë" ('Taulant Balla has called us terrorists'). The headline reads 'Balla na quajti terroristë'. Balla's own words are not quoted in the article. The protester replied: "Ne nuk nuk jemi terroristë, ne jemi njerëz të lirë." ('We are not terrorists, we are free people.')
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Live: Balla na quajti terroristë, protestuesi: thirrjet SPAK të merret urgjentisht në hetim (opens in a new tab)BalkanWeb · 23 Jul 2026 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
No transcript or recording of Balla's words was found. A BalkanWeb report on the same protest (search snippet only) describes Balla attacking the opposition and linking some protesters to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard; those claims were not checked against a document. No fact-check found.
What was said · 9 Jul 2018
Taulant Balla (PS group): 'Today we did not have 84 votes' (translated). Reported in Shqiptarja, 9 July 2018, on the postponed amendments to the law on the status of judges and prosecutors.
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Shqiptarja, 9 July 2018 article on the postponed magistrates law vote (opens in a new tab)Shqiptarja · 9 Jul 2018 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
The article states the magistrates' law needed 84 votes and the majority had 79. It says the session was postponed after an opposition boycott. Balla is quoted as saying the party had not yet secured the votes. Petrit Vasili (LSI) and Edmond Spaho (PD) are quoted alleging manipulation of the vote. The page header shows 31 October 2026, but the article is dated 9 July 2018. This is background on how 84 has been used in Albanian votes, not evidence about the 2026 bank law.
What was said · Jul 2023
Officers with access to EncroChat or Sky would be expelled from the State Police, and SPAK was examining the data provided by Europol (as reported in 2023).
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Përgjimet: Europol i dorëzon Shqipërisë listën e policëve me SKY e EncroChat (opens in a new tab)Telegrafi · unknown · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
SPAK's five-year statement gives 61 senior officials registered for corruption, 70 percent sent to trial, with no police-specific count. The claimed 70 police under investigation is not an official figure.
- SPAK five-year anniversary speech (media) (opens in a new tab)SPAK · Dec 2024 · official · SQ
What was said · 17 Apr 2012
'The Court of Appeal rejected an absurd political decision. I stand to everything that I have said.' (Top Channel, 17 Apr 2012)
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Kulicaj-Balla, Appeal rejects case (Top Channel) (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 17 Apr 2012 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
The Court of Appeal returned Kulicaj's suit to the Tirana court for procedural violations (Top Channel). It did not rule on the truth of Balla's statements. The 2011 first-instance fine of 700,000 lek is reported separately. The outcome is unresolved.
- Wikileaks, MP Balla fined by court (Top Channel) (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 28 Oct 2011 · journalism · EN
What was said · 24 Apr 2013
Balla said the case concerned his statement that 'the roads of Albania have been damaged by a company that has no license or permit', and asked 'Are our roads damaged or not?' (Top Channel, 24 Apr 2013)
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Pollo fines MP Taulant Balla (Top Channel) (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 24 Apr 2013 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
The Civil Court found that Balla caused moral damage to Pollo by negatively influencing public opinion and set a 30,000 lek fine. The article records no finding on whether the roads were damaged or whether the company held a licence. The accuracy of Balla's statement is unresolved in the sources.
- Pollo fines MP Taulant Balla (Top Channel) (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 24 Apr 2013 · journalism · EN
What was said · 22 Aug 2018
In Elbasan, during an inspection of road works, Balla said: 'we were elected to do work' (translated from 'ne jemi të zgjedhur për të bërë punë'), and that others, 'whom you know who they are' (translated from 'që ju i dini kush janë'), were elected only to talk (Shqiptarja, 22 Aug 2018, fetched).
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Akuzat e PD për çështjen Bego-Balla (Shqiptarja) (opens in a new tab)Shqiptarja · 22 Aug 2018 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
The article records PD's allegations (Spaho) and does not reproduce any OST contract, registry or prosecutorial document. The reply is a general rebuttal and does not address the specific tender by name.
What was said · 19 Oct 2018
Balla on Exit.al: 'I have said I know him'; he admitted one trip with Bego ('Yes, I did travel') to Denmark for a football match with journalist colleagues; later he conceded several trips but could not recall how many; denied a close friendship and preferential tenders (Exit.al, 19 Oct 2018, fetched).
Speaker: Taulant Balla
MP Balla speaks on relationship with convicted drug trafficker (Exit.al) (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · 19 Oct 2018 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
The article attributes Salianji's trip figures (57 trips, 18 by charter) to Salianji's TIMS claim, not to Balla. Balla's admission of knowing Bego and travelling with him is in his own words. No tender record supporting the denial or the allegation was found. The article also records Bego donating to a mosque in Balla's electoral area and a café meeting (as described by Balla).
- MP Balla speaks on relationship with convicted drug trafficker (Exit.al) (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · 19 Oct 2018 · journalism · EN
What was said · 23 Jul 2026
In plenary: 'You suffer from Stockholm syndrome, where the raped falls in love with the rapist' (translated from 'Ju vuani nga sindroma e Stokholmit, ku i përdhunuari bie në dashuri me përdhunuesin') and urged the Democrats to support the protesters' demand: 'Send Saliu to prison' (translated from 'Çojeni Saliun në burg.') (BalkanWeb, 23 Jul 2026, fetched).
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Balla replikon me Berishën (BalkanWeb) (opens in a new tab)BalkanWeb · 23 Jul 2026 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
BalkanWeb reports the quotes from the plenary session. The official stenographic record was not reviewed. The protester's allegation that Balla called protesters terrorists is not supported by a quote in the same article (see claim-balla-2026-terrorist-label-protesters in.
- Balla replikon me Berishën (BalkanWeb, 23 Jul 2026) (opens in a new tab)BalkanWeb · 23 Jul 2026 · journalism · SQ
What was said · 2020
After the appeal dismissal, Balla said he would ask SPAK to investigate Basha again over PD's funding, arguing it was unacceptable for prosecutors to grant amnesty for such offences (as reported).
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Appeals Court clears PD leader Basha of failing to report party financial statements (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · 2020 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
No SPAK decision on this complaint was found in sources reviewed.
What was said · Apr 2021
The PS first denied possessing the database, then said it existed but was built from voluntary door-to-door data; a PS figure (reported as Taulant Balla) said the information was gathered by canvassing door to door (paraphrase per Exit and Tirana Times reprint; speaker's 2021 title not confirmed).
Speaker: Taulant Balla
President Urges Prosecution to Investigate Allegations of 'Stealth and Abuse' of Voters Data by Ruling Party (opens in a new tab)Exit News · Apr 2021 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
No primary PS statement was fetched. The shift from denial to acknowledgement is reported by Exit and Tirana Times.
- Tirana Times reprint of 2021 BIRN text (opens in a new tab)Tirana Times · Apr 2021 · journalism · EN
What was said · 19 Oct 2018
'I have said I know him. Today, for the first time, I will recount why I know him.' Balla denied the allegations of preferential treatment in public tenders (Exit.al).
Speaker: Taulant Balla
MP Balla speaks on relationship with convicted drug trafficker (Exit.al) (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · 19 Oct 2018 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
No OST, prosecutor or court document confirming any Bego tender or any Balla business interest was found. Balla is not documented as owning or directing any company in sources reviewed; a QKB search was not completed.
What was said · 20 Oct 2017
'The Socialist Party will not vote in Parliament against justice.' (Top Channel, English text)
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Tahiri's immunity, Balla: 'SP will not vote against justice' (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 20 Oct 2017 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
The article gives no vote date or result for the Tahiri immunity request; the outcome is not in the sources reviewed.
- Tahiri's immunity, Balla (Top Channel) (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 20 Oct 2017 · journalism · EN
What was said · 23 Feb 2026
'The Council does not grant the authorization; the plenary session does' (translated) (original: 'Nuk e jep autorizimin këshilli, por e jep seanca plenare.')
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Balla on the Balluku procedure (Balkanweb) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 23 Feb 2026 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
The Assembly rejected SPAK's request in plenary on 12 Mar 2026 (47 for, 82 against), after the Mandates Council majority report recommended rejection (Citizens.al). The procedure described by Balla matches that sequence.
- 82 votes against (Citizens.al, 12 Mar 2026) (opens in a new tab)Citizens.al · 12 Mar 2026 · journalism · EN
What was said · 23 Feb 2026
'No one is guilty as long as there is no final court decision' (translated) (original: 'Askush nuk është i fajshëm sa kohë nuk ka një vendim të formës së prerë të gjykatës.')
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Balla on the Balluku procedure (Balkanweb) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 23 Feb 2026 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
Balluku had not been convicted at that date; SPAK had asked for her arrest and charges were pending (Balluku case file; see.
- Balla on the Balluku procedure (Balkanweb) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 23 Feb 2026 · journalism · SQ
What was said · 30 Apr 2026
'I performed my duty as any citizen would, in the public interest' (translated) (original: 'Kam kryer detyrën si çdo qytetar, në dobi të interesit publik.')
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Balla deshmon në GJKKO (Balkanweb, 30 Apr 2026) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 30 Apr 2026 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
In the same hearing Balla said he was then PS Secretary General and later group chairman; the defence argued the complaint was filed in a party capacity. The capacity question is unresolved in the record reviewed.
- Balla deshmon në GJKKO (Balkanweb, 30 Apr 2026) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 30 Apr 2026 · journalism · SQ
What was said · 20 Mar 2023
'We do not protect anyone; each of them bears responsibility before the law' (translated) (original: 'Ne nuk mbrojmë askënd, përgjegjësinë para ligjit e ka secili prej tyre.')
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Arrestimi i kryetarit të bashkisë Bulqizë Lefter Alla (Shqiptarja) (opens in a new tab)Shqiptarja · 20 Mar 2023 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
SPAK charged Alla (abuse of duty, tender equality, forgery); first-instance conviction on 28 Dec 2023 (Balkanweb).
- Lefter Alla sentenced (Balkanweb, 28 Dec 2023) (opens in a new tab)Balkanweb · 28 Dec 2023 · journalism · SQ
What was said · 19 Oct 2021
Shqiptarja quotes PS group chairman Taulant Balla: 'There has not been, there is not, and there will not be any negotiation on this' (translated), about exchanging PD's constitutional proposals for the vetting-deadline extension. He called the extension a suggestion from the partners.
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Propozimet e PD si mall shkëmbimi me vettingun: PS s'ka për të pasur asnjë negociatë (opens in a new tab)Shqiptarja · 19 Oct 2021 · journalism · SQ
What the documents show
The 10 Feb 2022 vote gave 118 votes including PD (Top Channel, Shqiptarja). Whether any side made an undisclosed deal is not shown by these sources. Berisha's 'PD-PS pact' claim was reported in a search summary but not confirmed from a fetched page.
- SP and opposition PD extend vetting mandates in justice system (opens in a new tab)Top Channel · 10 Feb 2022 · journalism · EN
What was said · 14 May 2020
Paraphrase: After the Tirana Appeal Court upheld the dismissal, Socialist deputy leader Taulant Balla said he would ask SPAK to investigate Lulzim Basha again over PD funding.
Speaker: Taulant Balla
Appeals Court Clears PD Leader Basha of Failing to Report Party Financial Statements (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · 14 May 2020 · journalism · EN
What the documents show
The court found no credible evidence that a PD-Muzin contract existed or that the Democratic Party paid the money. Transparency International records that the appeal prosecutor did not take the case to the High Court. No SPAK acceptance or new case was found.
- Democratic Party's lobbying case (CEPI) (opens in a new tab)Transparency International (CEPI) · Nov 2023 · ngo · EN
Timeline
Court
Tirana court fines Balla 700,000 lek for slander of Agron Kulicaj
Top Channel (dated 28 Oct 2011) reports that judge Rezarta Vigani of the Tirana court found Balla guilty of slandering police official Kulicaj and imposed a 700,000 lek fine. Balla's accusations came after WikiLeaks cables were reported in Albanian media. The judgment text was not obtained, so the figure rests on one media report.
Linked: Slander case: Agron Kulicaj v. Taulant Balla (2011-2012) · Taulant Balla · Agron Kulicaj
Parliament
Assembly votes to lift immunity of Balla, Doshi and Baraj: Balla 118 for, 8 against, 2 abstentions (as reported)
Reporting by Shqiptarja and Top Channel (2 Feb 2012) gives Balla 118 for, 8 against and 2 abstentions; Doshi 116 for and Baraj 107 for (Shqiptarja, as seen in search results). Balla publicly supported lifting his own immunity and accused PM Berisha of responsibility for the deaths in the 21 January 2011 protest. This extends ev-2012-02-02-balla-immunity-lifted in, which covers the same vote; the tallies here are new detail.
Linked: Immunity lifting for three Socialist MPs over the 21 January 2011 protest inquiry · Taulant Balla
Parliament
Assembly votes on immunity of Socialist MPs Balla, Doshi and Baraj
Secret vote on lifting immunity so prosecutors could investigate the 21 January 2011 protest. Reported tallies: Balla 118 for, 8 against, 2 abstentions. Balla publicly backed lifting his own immunity.
Linked: Immunity lifting for three Socialist MPs over the 21 January 2011 protest inquiry · Taulant Balla
Court
Court of Appeal rejects police general Agron Kulicaj's suit against Balla
Per Top Channel, the Court of Appeal rejected Kulicaj's suit against Socialist MP Balla and returned the case to the Tirana court for procedural violations. Balla said: "The Court of Appeal rejected an absurd political decision. I stand to everything that I have said." The article says Balla was not convicted. Search summaries claimed a 700,000 ALL fine; the fetched article does not support that, so the fine is treated as disputed.
Linked: Taulant Balla
Court
Tirana court partially accepts Malltezi's civil suit: 1,000,000 lek against Balla (as reported in search snippets)
Search snippets state that the Tirana court in 2013 partially accepted Jamarbër Malltezi's suit for 2 million lek over Balla's statements about the Partizani privatisation, and ordered Balla to pay 1,000,000 lek. Balla appealed. Exact date and judgment not verified.
Linked: Civil suit: Jamarbër Malltezi v. Taulant Balla over the Partizani complex (2013-2022) · Taulant Balla · Jamarber Malltezi
Court
Civil Court partially accepts Minister Genc Pollo's suit; Balla fined 30,000 lek
The Civil Court (judge Bledar Abdullai) partially accepted Pollo's suit and set a 30,000 lek fine, reduced from 1 million lek, for moral damage. Balla said the decision was 'cooked in Berisha's house' and that the court priced Pollo's dignity at 30,000 lek.
Linked: Civil defamation case: Genc Pollo v. Taulant Balla (2013) · Taulant Balla · Genc Pollo
Parliament
Balla calls a DP letter a fabrication
Balla, then vice leader of the Socialist group, called a letter presented by the DP a fabrication. See claim-balla-2015-dp-letter-fabricated.
Linked: Taulant Balla
Parliament
PD MP Arben Ristani asks that Balla step down as chair of the CEZ commission
Ristani argued that Balla had a conflict of interest because of court cases involving his family and a slander conviction. Balla denied any conflict. Shkëlzen Berisha refused to take the oath or testify while Balla chaired. No formal ruling on the objection was found. Date given as around 2017 in sources.
Linked: CEZ parliamentary commission: conflict-of-interest objection to Balla as chair (c. 2017) · Taulant Balla · Arben Ristani · Shkelzen Berisha
Parliament
Balla: PS will not vote against justice on Tahiri immunity
PS group head Taulant Balla said the party would not vote in Parliament against justice and asked that the Immunity and Mandates Commission meet soon. The article gives no vote date or result.
Linked: Taulant Balla · Saimir Tahiri
Court
Balla sues Ervin Salianji for 1 million lek over claims of trips with Bego
Following Salianji's claims that Balla travelled 25 or 57 times with Bego (18 by charter, per TIMS data attributed to Salianji), Balla filed a civil suit seeking 1 million lek in moral damages, which he said would go to the education fund. Filing date and outcome not found; the year is inferred from the 2018 context of the other Bego allegations.
Linked: Edmond Bego allegations against Taulant Balla (2018) · Taulant Balla · Ervin Salianji · Edmond Bego
Media
PD's Edmond Spaho alleges Bego-linked company Inerte Express won a 100 million lek OST tender in Balla's constituency
Spaho said Inerte Express, linked to Bego, had no substation experience but won OST tenders, including a 100 million lek tender in Librazhd, because of Bego's ties to Balla. Balla replied in Elbasan that 'we were elected to do work' and that some critics were elected only to talk. No OST document, registry record or prosecutorial statement was found in the sources.
Linked: Edmond Bego allegations against Taulant Balla (2018) · Edmond Spaho · Taulant Balla · Edmond Bego
Media
PD MP Luçjano Boçi alleges Edmond Bego received about 14 million euro in tenders
Opposition allegation naming Bego as a family friend of Taulant Balla; no company ownership by Balla claimed.
Linked: Luçjano Boçi · Edmond Bego · Taulant Balla
Media
Taulant Balla responds on TV to allegations about Edmond Bego
Balla says he knows Bego and travelled with him, and denies preferential treatment in tenders. Balla has sued opposition MP Ervin Salianji over related claims (Shqiptarja, title seen in search results).
Linked: Taulant Balla · Edmond Bego
Other
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University Ethics Committee forwards Balla thesis complaint to CNATDCU
Exit.al reports that the Ethics Committee found the complaint against Balla's PhD thesis valid and forwarded it to CNATDCU. Decision date not given in the article. Wikipedia cites a CNATDCU referral dated 24 Apr 2019. No outcome found.
Linked: PhD thesis plagiarism complaint: Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (2018-2019) · Taulant Balla
Parliament
Arben Malaj alleges threats from Balla; Socialist deputies seek his dismissal from the Bank of Albania council
Malaj's Facebook post alleges threats from Balla over Bank of Albania board selections. Shqiptarja reports the PS request to dismiss Malaj signed by 28 deputies, citing ethics breaches. Balla's response is not recorded.
Linked: Arben Malaj's allegation of threats by Balla over the Bank of Albania board (2019) · Taulant Balla · Arben Malaj
Government
Balla's 30 June local-election statement, against a presidential decree (as reported)
Exit.al reports the decree cancelling the 30 June vote and setting 13 October, and quotes Balla. See claim-balla-2019-june30-elections-completed.
Linked: Taulant Balla
Court
Court dismisses charges against Basha over 2017 US lobbying
First-instance dismissal reported 27 Jan 2020 (one source; another gives 14 Jan) and later Appeals Court dismissal; sources disagree on dates. Balla said he would ask SPAK to re-investigate.
Linked: Lulzim Basha · Taulant Balla · Nick Muzin
Parliament
Balla says President Meta acted on Basha's order in returning the anti-slander package
Balla's claim, reported by BalkanWeb. See claim-balla-2020-meta-acted-on-basha-order.
Linked: Taulant Balla · Lulzim Basha
Parliament
Electoral-reform political agreement dated Tirana, 21 July 2020: PS group and three opposition group leaders
The Shqiptarja article, dated 21 July 2020, describes a political agreement on electoral reform dated Tirana, expected to be signed by PS group leader Taulant Balla and opposition group leaders Myslim Murrizi, Nimet Musai and Edmond Stojku. It schedules a 23 July plenary vote on the Electoral Code bill and a 30 July vote on the Constitution (list opening). The article gives no vote counts. PD and LSI are not named as signatories to this text.
Linked: Taulant Balla · Myslim Murrizi · Nimet Musai · Edmond Stojku · Edi Rama
SPAK
Balla files SPAK complaint over Partizani complex privatisation
Taulant Balla filed a criminal complaint with SPAK naming Sali Berisha, Jamarbër Malltezi and Arben Imami, alleging abuse of office, illegal influence, forgery, money laundering and corruption. SPAK registered one offence; four were reportedly dropped. Date and details come from Albanian search summaries; not fetched.
Linked: Partizani complex privatisation (Sali Berisha and Jamarber Malltezi) · Taulant Balla
Parliament
Constitutional change extends first-instance vetting deadlines to 31 Dec 2024: 118 votes for
Top Channel (10 Feb 2022) reports 118 votes in favour, 94 needed, 74 of them from the Socialist majority, and 4 abstentions (all SMI). Shqiptarja (11 Feb 2022) reports 118 votes: 73 PS, 41 PD and allies, 3 Social Democrats and 1 LSI rebel (Agron Çela); three LSI members abstained (Monika Kryemadhi, Petrit Vasili, Erisa Xhixho). The two accounts differ on the PS number, the abstainers and on whether Berisha's group voted against (Top Channel) or did not vote (Shqiptarja, which lists 13 unique non-voters). Balluku was absent (majority). Taulant Balla (PS group leader) said in Oct 2021 that PS would not negotiate PD's constitutional proposals in exchange for this vote (see claim-balla-2021-no-negotiation).
Linked: Taulant Balla · Monika Kryemadhi · Sali Berisha · Belinda Balluku
Media
Balla comments on Top Channel's Kryemadhi reporting
Balla's statements on Russian financing, quoted in claim-balla-2023-kremlin-scheme-kryemadhi.
Linked: Taulant Balla · Monika Kryemadhi
SPAK
Balla testifies to SPAK as complainant in Partizani file
Balla, head of the PS parliamentary group, appeared before SPAK from about 10:00 to give clarifications as the person who filed the report (journalist Ermal Vija, abcnews.al, fetched). The article gives no direct quote from Balla.
Linked: Partizani complex privatisation (Sali Berisha and Jamarber Malltezi) · Taulant Balla
Parliament
Balla speaks for PS group on SPAK request to arrest Balluku
Balla said that on behalf of the five PS MPs he had informed the Mandates Council that the PS would not agree with the PD's proposed handling; he said the Council does not grant authorisation, the plenary does, and that the Assembly had taken the necessary time. Ulsi Manja was named as the PS rapporteur.
Linked: Tirana Outer Ring Road (Lot 4) procurement · Taulant Balla · Ulsi Manja
Parliament
Balla's role on the Balluku file: PS group chair; Ulsi Manja drafted the majority report; Balla's individual vote not found
The 12 Mar 2026 vote is documented in ev-2026-03-12-balluku-vote and ev-2026-03-12-balluku-immunity-pd-split. Balla's individual vote is not documented in the sources reviewed. Search snippets describe Balla as PS group chair saying the Council of Mandates would examine SPAK's request and that the Council has a 3-month deadline (not fetched). PD's Gazment Bardhi said Manja, the PS rapporteur, had a conflict of interest on the Balluku file (an allegation about Manja, not Balla). Balla is not documented as a Council of Mandates member in the sources reviewed.
Linked: Tirana Outer Ring Road (Lot 4) procurement · Taulant Balla · Ulsi Manja · Belinda Balluku · Gazment Bardhi
Court
Balla testifies at GJKKO in the Partizani trial
Balla was questioned by SPAK, Malltezi's lawyers and Berisha's lawyers. Malltezi asked in what capacity he filed the complaint. Balla answered that he was then PS Secretary General and later group chairman; he said he filed as a citizen, personally.
Linked: Partizani complex privatisation (Sali Berisha and Jamarber Malltezi) · Taulant Balla
Parliament
Balla in plenary: Democrats suffer from 'Stockholm syndrome'; urges that Berisha be jailed as protesters demand
BalkanWeb (23 Jul 2026, 11:13) reports Balla's plenary reply: 'You suffer from Stockholm syndrome, where the raped falls in love with the rapist' (translated from 'Ju vuani nga sindroma e Stokholmit, ku i përdhunuari bie në dashuri me përdhunuesin') and 'The protesters say: Saliu to prison. Meet the protesters' demand. Send Saliu to prison.' (translated from 'Protestuesit thonë: Saliu në burg. Plotësojeni kërkesën e protestuesve. Çojeni Saliun në burg.'). The article does not attribute the word 'terrorists' to Balla. See claim-balla-2026-terrorist-label-protesters infor the unverified claim.
Linked: Taulant Balla · Sali Berisha
Protest
Protester asks Constitutional Court to review Balla's mandate
At the Prime Minister's office a protester said Balla had called protesters terrorists and asked the Constitutional Court to review Balla's mandate and lift his immunity. The article records only the protester's statements; no reply by Balla and no ruling found.
Linked: Taulant Balla
Court
Court partially accepts Shkëlzen Berisha's slander suit against Balla
BalkanWeb (24 Jul 2026, 11:57) reports that the court partially accepted the suit. The article does not name the court, the statements at issue, any damages or whether an appeal was filed. No reply by Balla is reported.
Linked: Defamation suits between Shkëlzen Berisha and Taulant Balla (2013 and 2026) · Taulant Balla · Shkelzen Berisha
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 40 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 16 sources
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 23 Feb 2026
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 30 Apr 2026
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- 20 Mar 2023
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 20 Oct 2017
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 15 Dec 2015
- Publisher
- BalkanWeb
- Date
- 16 Jul 2026
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 24 Apr 2013
- Publisher
- BalkanWeb
- Date
- 24 Jul 2026
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 2017
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- 19 Oct 2018
- Publisher
- BalkanWeb
- Date
- 13 Jan 2020
- Publisher
- Citizens.al
- Date
- 5 Jun 2020
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- BalkanWeb
- Date
- 23 Jul 2026
- Publisher
- Citizens.al
- Date
- 12 Mar 2026
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 28 Dec 2023
Source label: Under investigationUnder investigation · 15 sources
- Publisher
- Wikipedia
- Date
- unknown (page undated; fetched 2026-10-31)
- Publisher
- ABC News Albania
- Date
- 7 Jun 2023
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- 2 Feb 2012
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 23 Jul 2026
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- 9 Jul 2018
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 2020
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- 19 Oct 2021
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 28 Oct 2011
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- 19 Apr 2019
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- 5 Aug 2019
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 31 Mar 2023
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 17 Apr 2012
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- 14 May 2020
- Publisher
- Top Channel
- Date
- 10 Feb 2022
- Publisher
- Transparency International (CEPI)
- Date
- Nov 2023
Source label: DisputedDisputed · 2 sources
- Publisher
- Exit News
- Date
- Apr 2021
- Publisher
- Tirana Times
- Date
- Apr 2021
Source label: UnverifiedUnverified · 7 sources
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- 16 Jul 2019
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- 25 Aug 2018
- Publisher
- Telegrafi
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- SPAK
- Date
- Dec 2024
- Publisher
- Shqiptarja
- Date
- 22 Aug 2018