Albanian opposition leader Berisha responds to U.S. Statement on his non-grata status

Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, who is under indictment for corruption in Albania, while also designated ‘non grata’ by the U.S. and U.K., dismissed recent statements from the U.S. Embassy as irrelevant to the future. “I don’t waste time on the past. Ask me about the future. This administration is done,” Berisha said, referring to U.S. policies. He accused the statement of being influenced by U.S. diplomats in Tirana.

Why is this important: The U.S. Embassy’s statement contradicted Berisha’s oft repeated claim that his designation was sponsored by Soros and that a Trump victory meant that the designation will be removed. It reaffirmed the U.S. stance on non-grata individuals at a time when Berisha is trying very hard to send an upbeat message to his supporters about his legal troubles in the run-up to the May 11, 2025, elections.

Context: Two days ago, in a meeting with opposition representatives, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn reiterated that the United States does not engage with individuals implicated in major corruption. 

“We encourage all political parties to engage constructively in a process that ensures equality for all participants,” VanHorn stated, stressing a level playing field for the elections.

The U.S. Embassy’s message aligns with a broader international stance, as the British government also recently rejected Berisha’s appeal against his non-grata designation. Both decisions underline Berisha’s challenges on the international stage and his diminishing room for political maneuvering at a time when the trial against him and his son-in-law regarding the corruptive privatization of the former Partizani Sports Complex is continuing in Tirana.