Sali Berisha, the politician who came back every time he was considered out of the game

When the US State Department declared Sali Berisha "persona non grata" in May 2021, many considered it the end of his political career.

Washington's decision was seen as a serious blow to the figure of the former prime minister and former president of the country, creating the belief that he would remain isolated on the Albanian political scene.

But Berisha chose a different path.

Instead of retreating, he launched a long political and public battle to refute the accusations, which he never admitted. 

The five years that followed were accompanied by strong clashes within the Democratic Party, protests, legal battles, and a constant confrontation with his political opponents.

Despite predictions of the end of his role, Berisha managed to regain control of the DP and remain the central figure of the Albanian opposition.

1997: The crisis that seemed to end his career

After the collapse of the pyramid schemes and the 1997 unrest, Berisha left power at one of the most difficult moments in Albania's history. Many believed that his political career was over and that he would never return to lead the country.

However, just a few years later he reorganized the Democratic Party and in 2005 returned to power as prime minister.

Year 2013: From resignation to return to the center of the opposition

After losing the 2013 parliamentary elections, Berisha resigned as leader of the Democratic Party. At the time, there was much talk of his final retirement from active politics and his transition to the role of a historical figure on the right.

But subsequent developments showed otherwise. He remained a strong voice in political life and gradually regained influence within the opposition.

Year 2021: The "non grata" declaration and the clash with the establishment

The US declaration of "non grata" was considered the strongest political blow to Berisha in decades. The decision led to deep divisions within the Democratic Party and opened a bitter conflict with the party's then-leadership.

Instead of retreating, Berisha launched a political movement that culminated in regaining control of the DP and his return to the head of the opposition.

Five years of political confrontation

During this period, he faced diplomatic isolation, legal battles, political attacks, and numerous challenges from within the opposition itself. However, he managed to remain the most important figure in the opposition camp and maintain the support of a significant part of the electorate.

For his supporters, any development that would lead to the lifting of the "non grata" status would constitute the culmination of a five-year battle and a personal, political, and moral victory.  

But one thing is certain, in the history of the Albanian transition, few politicians have known as many declines and comebacks as Sali Berisha. /Politiko/