SPAK opens investigation into Democratic Party’s $6 million U.S. lobbying contract

Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) has launched verifications into the Democratic Party’s (DP) $6 million lobbying contract with U.S. firm Continental Strategy, following its publication by the media. The revelations have triggered political controversy just days before the May 11 elections.

Why is this important: The investigation puts new pressure on DP at a crucial moment, highlighting both financial transparency concerns and the potential misuse of lobbying for electoral purposes. It also raises the possibility of serious legal consequences if the source of funding is found to breach Albanian or U.S. regulations.

Context: The lobbying contract, signed by DP Secretary General Flamur Noka and Continental Strategy President Carlos Trujillo, commits DP to paying $250,000 a month over two years — totaling $6 million. According to media reports, $750,000 has already been prepaid.

The contract came to light not through official disclosure but through media leaks. DP justified the funding by claiming that the payments would come from Albanian-American “patriots” through the “Make Albania Great Again” foundation. However, there is little evidence of the foundation’s activity beyond a dormant online presence.

Nuredin Saci, a 72-year-old Albanian-American from Tropoja and a member of the Vatra association in New Jersey, is named as the financial guarantor. There are no clear links between Saci and the foundation, nor indications of how such a large sum could be secured.

The first service provided under the contract was reportedly a phone call between Continental Strategy and Dan Holler, Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio — a figure seen as influential in the possible reconsideration of Berisha’s “non grata” status imposed by the U.S. State Department.

DP signed the contract not only for lobbying on Berisha’s behalf but also through its electoral coalition “Alliance for a Great Albania,” suggesting political objectives intertwined with electoral interests.

DP’s reaction: DP has defended the deal, insisting the contract is fully legal, registered under FARA in the United States, and funded through private diaspora contributions.

In a statement, DP accused SPAK of being politically motivated, claiming it had long ignored major corruption scandals tied to Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government.
“The lobbying contract terrifies Rama and his associates because the Democratic Party’s denunciations are finally being heard in Washington,” DP said.

The party added that it remains fully transparent about the lobbying effort and expressed gratitude to Albanian-Americans for their financial support.
“Thanks to the diaspora, the Democratic Party is stronger than ever. Victory is near,” the statement concluded.

Ethical concerns: The new developments underline serious ethical concerns too.

• The lack of verifiable existence of the “Make Albania Great Again” foundation deepens suspicions around the true source of the funding.
• The direct signature of Flamur Noka on behalf of DP and its coalition ties the lobbying efforts to the electoral campaign, raising potential violations of political financing rules.
• The initial lobbying service delivered — a simple phone call — casts doubt on the proportionality and legitimacy of the $6 million price tag.

Critics argue that rather than focusing on national interests, DP appears increasingly entangled in personal legal battles and opaque financing practices — practices it once publicly condemned.

What’s next: SPAK’s verification process is underway and may escalate into a full investigation depending on findings related to funding sources and legal compliance.

With elections looming, the scandal threatens to dominate the political narrative, forcing DP to defend its credibility not only against Rama’s government but also under the scrutiny of Albania’s judicial institutions.