The upcoming election in Albania is being viewed as more of a runoff between the policies of President Trump and George and Alex Soros, as opposition parties accuse the ruling socialists of corruption. Former Albanian ambassador Agim Nesho described the ruling socialists as undemocratic and deeply rooted, benefiting from support by wealthy left-wing donors like Alex Soros. Critics are concerned about the integrity of the upcoming elections for the country’s 140-member Parliament, scheduled for May 11, amidst accusations of corruption and recent arrests of major political candidates.
President Trump’s former campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, has joined the campaign of Sali Berisha, leader of Albania’s right-wing Democratic Party, calling Rama a “puppet of George Soros.” Berisha, a former president and prime minister of Albania, has faced legal issues including having his name banned from the voting list during elections in 2023. He was stripped of legal immunity and placed on house arrest under corruption charges, but claims that official documents prove his innocence. Despite facing corruption charges, Berisha is awaiting trial, along with Centrist Freedom Party leader and former Albanian President Ilir Meta, who was also arrested on corruption charges.
The Open Society Foundations (OSF), a group founded by George Soros, has been accused of investing over $131 million in Albania between 1992 and 2020, supporting Prime Minister Rama’s rise to power. Some critics allege that OSF helped allocate funds from USAID for judicial reform, which has been criticized as an attempt by the government to control the judiciary. Berisha called for a ban on Soros’ political activity in Europe and said he would ban OSF from Albania due to their alleged interference in the country’s affairs and mismanagement of resources.
Impediments to Berisha’s campaign include sanctions imposed by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accusing him of involvement in corrupt acts. Berisha claimed the sanctions were based on corrupted lobbying by Soros and Rama, and have hindered his ability to campaign. There have been allegations that support for Berisha and his party has been undermined by U.S. entities, including the State Department, at the behest of Soros allies. Nesho called for the Trump administration to lift the ban on Berisha immediately in order to ensure a truly free and fair election in Albania.
Nesho emphasized the need for upcoming elections in Albania to be free and fair, noting that the last three elections were marred by intimidation and theft. He called on the U.S. and the EU to push for fair elections or delay the vote until proper standards can be met. However, efforts to reach out to Albanian Prime Minister Rama, the OSF, and other Albanian officials for comment on the accusations of corruption and election interference have been unsuccessful. The political situation in Albania remains tense, with allegations of corruption and foreign interference casting a shadow over the upcoming elections.
In conclusion, the upcoming election in Albania is shaping up to be a contentious battle between different political factions, with accusations of corruption and foreign interference complicating the situation. The involvement of figures like George Soros and President Trump has added a complex layer to the political dynamics in the country. Allegations of unfair practices in previous elections and concerns about the integrity of the electoral process continue to raise questions about the future of democracy in Albania. It remains to be seen how the international community, particularly the U.S. and the EU, will respond to these challenges and whether the May 11 election can meet the standards of fairness and transparency demanded by the Albanian people.
