Albanian political leaders face allegations of corruption and power-sharing

Albanian political leaders and commentators are facing intense scrutiny amid allegations of corruption and power-sharing. Sali Berisha, leader of the Democratic Party, has called on the international community to impose sanctions on Prime Minister Edi Rama's government. Berisha characterized Albania as a ‘narcostate’ and urged agencies such as MONEYVAL and the United Nations to intervene against money laundering and drug trafficking involving large sums of foreign currency.

In a separate development, political commentator Ervin Salianji alleged that Edi Rama and Sali Berisha held a private meeting for approximately ninety minutes in the VIP area of Rinas Airport. Salianji suggested the meeting might involve discussions regarding the division of power between the government and the opposition.

Journalist Armand Shkullaku further described Prime Minister Rama as being in a state of political crisis. Shkullaku argued that recent government decisions, including territorial reforms and issues regarding official immunity and transparency in public investments, are intended to consolidate power and weaken the opposition, potentially damaging Albania's international credibility.