Albanians must adapt to Altin Dumani's new standard

Altin Dumani, the Chief Prosecutor of Albania’s Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), delivered a rare and insightful interview on the nation’s public broadcaster last Friday, marking a significant moment for Albanian society. In the interview, Dumani presented SPAK as an autonomous institution—free from political interference, impervious to manipulation by major media outlets, and beyond the reach of powerful interest groups—longstanding drivers of corruption among Albanian officials.

Dumani’s independence is not just a claim; it’s reflected in his work. He has become a formidable figure in Albanian politics, a kind of “hangman” for corrupt politicians. His efforts are unsettling both the government and opposition, where compromised leaders have long used their parties as shields against justice. Dumani has dismantled the belief that political influence can provide immunity, proving that no one is beyond the reach of the law.

What stood out, however, was the response—or lack thereof—to his interview. Major private television channels such as Top Channel and Klan TV ignored it entirely, as though it never happened. This wasn’t due to resentment that Dumani chose the public broadcaster over them. Rather, it signaled a break from a long-standing tradition where private media giants held undue influence over key public figures. In the past, appearing on these networks was almost a requirement for legitimacy as a president, prime minister, or chief prosecutor.

Dumani’s choice of the public broadcaster and the private networks’ decision to overlook it reveal something important: he is not under the sway of big media. Their silence speaks volumes about his independence from their agendas.

The same is true for interest groups. The only reactions to his interview came from two lawyers representing clients involved in organized crime cases under SPAK’s investigation. While these lawyers praised Dumani’s transparency, they also called for public discussions on procedural matters related to their clients. This exchange underscores Dumani’s impartiality—he engages with the issues but remains untethered to external interests.

In many ways, Altin Dumani is carving out a new role for the justice system in Albania. Unlike his predecessors, he resists the influence of political parties, media conglomerates, and special interest groups. With the support of Albania’s Western partners, he is forging a path toward justice that is independent and impartial, dismantling the old traditions that allowed corruption to thrive.

Now, Albanians need to adjust to the idea of a prosecutor who, while living within the same society as them, operates beyond the control of political institutions and private interests. Dumani’s commitment is solely to justice, and that is a refreshing change.