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Gahler after Berisha's denunciations: Albania does not move towards the EU with elections overtaken by crime

Politiko 2025-06-04 17:00:24

Gahler after Berisha's denunciations: Albania does not move towards the EU

The delegation of the Democratic Party of Albania, headed by Chairman Sali Berisha, held a meeting with MEP Michael Gahler, head of the European Parliament's Election Observation Mission for the May 11 parliamentary elections in Albania and coordinator of the EPP parliamentary group in the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.

Berisha stressed that the commitment of MEPs like Gahler to democracy, the rule of law and electoral standards is essential for Albania's European future.

During the meeting, Berisha and Gahler shared their concern about the alarming situation in which the parliamentary elections of May 11 took place, where:
• All the main opposition leaders, Mr. Berisha, Mr. Meta and Mr. Mediu, faced political persecution and fabricated criminal prosecutions during the election year, severely damaging the opposition parties and the opposition in general;
• There was massive misuse of public resources, including bonuses for pensioners for votes, forgiveness of fines for votes, employment for votes, legalizations, construction permits for votes and tenders for votes in function of the Socialist Party campaign;
• The patronage system was reactivated and perfected as a political police to exert pressure on the public administration and citizens, controlling the will of the voters and directly influencing the election result.

The discussion focused on the serious concern about the involvement of criminal groups and drug cartels in the elections, where according to data documented by the opposition:
• 28 Socialist Party candidates are supported by criminal groups in 10 regions of the country;
• These groups are coordinated by Ergys Agasi, appointed by Prime Minister Rama to cooperate with criminal networks that have taken control of the country's ports and railways, for drug trafficking and other illegal activities;
• Massive constructions in Tirana and other cities are being used to launder organized crime money, through individuals linked to criminal gangs, assisted by the director of building permits, a direct subordinate of Edi Rama, appointed by the Elbasan gang which is known for its close ties to Minister Taulant Balla, and Edi Rama, also mentioned in the international SKY/Encrochat wiretaps.

Another important topic was the manipulation of the diaspora vote, where it was emphasized that the constitutional right of thousands of Albanians abroad to vote freely has been violated. Mr. Berisha emphasized the frightening dimensions of the manipulation of this vote by the network of patronage agents of the Socialist Party and the total lack of transparency in the process of its administration and counting.

Mr. Berisha underlined that the election result does not reflect the will of Albanian citizens, and that the opposition will continue its battle for transparency and full disclosure of violations, through the collection and documentation of thousands of pieces of evidence, which will be forwarded to EU institutions and international organizations.

He requested the support of Mr. Gahler and the MEPs for ensuring free voting in Albania as the foundation of any democratic process and a condition for the country's further progress on the path of European integration.

Mr. Gahler guaranteed that he will pursue the issue of Albania with objectivity and priority, in the name of his mission, and that he will support every effort to fulfill democratic standards and Albania's membership criteria in the European Union.

The meeting was attended by: DP Vice-President, Oerd Bylykbashi, LDG President, Albana Vokshi, and the President of the Integration Committee, Jorida Tabaku.