Berisha continues attacks against SPAK Chief 

Sali Berisha has continued his public attacks against SPAK Chief Altin Dumani. One day after targeting him and his family in an unprecedented manner, Berisha’s attacks reached a new low when he shared a modified cartoon video on social media portraying Dumani as a submissive enforcer for Prime Minister Rama.  

Why is this important: Berisha’s attacks come as SPAK investigates him for corruption related to the privatization of the “Partizani” sports complex during his tenure as prime minister. Critics view Berisha’s rhetoric, including publishing an animated video ridiculing Dumani as a “servant” of Prime Minister Rama, as a deliberate attempt to intimidate judicial authorities and portray himself as the victim of a politically motivated case. This despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of SPAK investigations have focused on Socialist Party figures. 

Context: Berisha’s animosity toward Dumani has grown over the past year as SPAK intensified investigations into allegations of corruption and abuse of power during his time in office.  However, in recent weeks these attacks have reached a new level of vitriol. The recent escalation follows praise for Dumani by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who lauded him as a champion of anti-corruption, as well as public polls showing 75% approval of SPAK’s work.

Condemnation from within: Despite the gravity of these actions, there has been little condemnation from within PD. Only Democratic Party MP Flutura Açka publicly criticized Berisha, calling the video “shameful” and urging fellow Democrats to distance themselves from his rhetoric.

A broader pattern: This is not the first time Berisha has resorted to such tactics. His history of using threats, public defamation, and personal attacks against judicial figures spans decades. 

What’s next: As SPAK continues its investigations into high-profile corruption cases, including the case involving Berisha, the judiciary’s ability to withstand political intimidation will be a key test of Albania’s democratic and institutional resilience. Meanwhile, Berisha’s escalating rhetoric raises questions about whether justice institutions and political actors will act to safeguard judicial independence.