The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, continues to demonstrate a disconnect from reality, consistently dodging responsibility for his political past. When asked by journalists about the U.S. Embassy’s statement reaffirming its stance on individuals declared non grata due to major corruption, Berisha’s response was dismissive and deflective.
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Berisha further elaborated: “You should ask me about the future, not the past. As for the administration that is leaving, I don’t think there is anything left unsaid. I will not comment on it now. What can I say? It was written by Kim’s hand, even slightly altered by her. I cannot comment on an administration that is gone.”
U.S. and U.K. Maintain Pressure
Berisha’s remarks came shortly after Nancy VanHorn, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering position regarding individuals designated for major corruption. VanHorn also emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive and constructive political environment in Albania’s parliament, particularly as the election period approaches.
“We encourage all parties to engage constructively in a political process that ensures equal opportunities for everyone. Our longstanding position remains unchanged: we do not engage with individuals designated for major corruption,” VanHorn stated.
This stance echoes a recent decision by the British government, which rejected Berisha’s appeal to overturn his non grata status.
A Leader Out of Touch
Berisha’s refusal to address the gravity of the non grata designation underscores his inability—or unwillingness—to reconcile with his controversial legacy. By dismissing these issues as the concerns of a “past administration,” he not only alienates himself from the broader international community but also undermines any claim to credible leadership for the future.
While Berisha seeks to deflect attention to Albania’s political future, his inability to confront the past casts a long shadow over his legitimacy. The sustained criticism from both the U.S. and U.K. serves as a stark reminder that evading accountability is not a strategy that resonates with democratic norms or with a public increasingly frustrated by corruption and impunity.
Sali Berisha may want to speak about the future, but his actions—and the unresolved questions of his past—suggest that he remains firmly entrenched in an era that Albania is eager to leave behind.