In a recent interview with Euronews Albania, former Prime Minister Sali Berisha expressed optimism that a Trump presidency could lead to the reversal of his “non grata” designation by the United States. Berisha criticized the current U.S. administration for supporting Prime Minister Edi Rama, whom he accused of corruption and undermining Albania’s democracy.

Why is this important: Berisha’s declaration reflects a general wave of optimism among Democrats that a Trump victory will somehow benefit them. Berisha has long claimed to be the victim of a Soros sponsored conspiracy to destroy the Albanian opposition. 

Context: In his first interview after the Trump victory Berisha repeated the same conspiracy theories about his arrest that he has been peddling since the onset of the investigation into the so-called Partizani Complex affair for which he and his son-in-law are accused and pending trial.

• Berisha said a Trump victory will bring back “an America of values,” contrasting it with the current administration, which he accuses of backing what he calls a “narco-state” under Rama.
• Berisha reiterated claims that Rama corrupted former FBI official Charles McGonigal, describing it as one of the “gravest acts” in U.S.-Albanian relations. He framed this as evidence of the deep-seated corruption he believes has compromised international institutions.
• In an open attack against the justice reform, Berisha declared that his Democratic Party would push for a Venice Commission review of Albania’s judicial reforms, which he claims destroyed legal security and echoed tactics from the communist era.

Political Implications: Berisha’s comments reveal his strategic use of international dynamics to galvanize his base. By framing himself as a victim of political targeting, he hopes to rally support domestically while awaiting his corruption trial. 

What’s next: While many Democrats buy into the idea that a Trump administration would somehow support them, it is hard to see Berisha make a Trump-like comeback to Albanian politics. With his party divided and his tatters, his corruption trial coming, and his international and domestic standing deeply damaged by the accusations of corruption and non-grata designation, Berisha’s optimism seems misplaced. Besides the U.S. non-grata designation he has similarly been banned from entering the UK for his alleged links to organized crime; a ban issued by the rightwing UK Conservatives.