THE ROLE OF THE SUPREME STATE AUDIT IN THE AUDITING OF PPP CONTRACTS AND THE LEGAL VALUE OF CRIMINAL REFERRALS FOR HIGH-VALUE FINANCIAL VIOLATIONS
Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) contracts represent one of the most complex and sensitive
forms of managing the public interest and state funds, due to their long-term
financial and legal impact. In this context, the Supreme State Audit (SSA), as
the supreme auditing institution in the Republic of Albania, plays a
fundamental role in ensuring legality, transparency, and efficiency in the
design, award, and implementation of PPP contracts. This article aims to
analyze, from a legal perspective, the competencies of the SSA in auditing
PPPs, the nature and legal value of audit reports, as well as their role in initiating
criminal proceedings in cases of high-value financial violations. The analysis
is based on the relevant legal framework and on specific audit reports
published by the SSA, highlighting the importance of public auditing as a
preventive and punitive mechanism for the protection of the public interest and
state finances.
