Berisha accuses Albanian PM of using Kushner’s project to carry political influence

Sali Berisha, leader of the Democratic Party, has accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of granting the status of strategic investor to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, as a way to buy political influence. According to Berisha, the move represents an attempt by Rama to curry favor with Trump’s family for personal political gain.

Why is this important:  Although Berisha’s accusations are primarily directed at his political rival, they indirectly raise allegations against former U.S. President Trump. Berisha’s seems to be suggesting that Trump could be compromised by foreign leaders offering favors to his family members, in this case, his son-in-law. The opposition and Berisha personally have practically attacked every single major project financed or endorsed by the ruling Socialists, mostly engaging in unsubstantiated accusations. They had however, mostly refrained from attacking the Sazan project which was made public months ago. The attack, although mild compared to Berisha’s usual tone, seems to betray the nervousness among the opposition that the project will throw cold water on their claim that the Trump administration will be on their side. It can also be seen as an attempt by Berisha to draw the attention and make himself heard by people close to Trump such as Kushner.

Context: Berisha claimed that the proposal to develop a luxury resort on Sazan Island, a project tied to Kushner, is the latest in a long line of offers made to foreign businessmen. He argued that this particular proposal, facilitated by Rama, was made with the intent of gaining political leverage.

However, Berisha, who hopes a future Trump administration will lift his designation as “non grata” by the Biden administration, is treading carefully. In a virtual communication with his supporters, Berisha stated that if Kushner’s offer meets the legal requirements, the Democratic Party will not oppose it. He emphasized that the legitimacy of the offer should be judged based on adherence to Albania’s laws and regulations.

Berisha has been known for his scathing attacks and threats on both local and international figures involved in investments or projects in Albania under the Socialist government. On more than one occasion the Socialist government has accused him of attempting to sabotage the country’s economic growth by intimidating investors through attacks or threats to abolish their investments when he returns to power.  He previously targeted high-profile investors such as Mohamed Alabbar with unsubstantiated accusations for his mega project in Durrës. However, in Kushner’s case, Berisha’s tone is notably more cautious, reflecting his hopes for a rapprochement with Trump’s circle.

Despite his criticisms of Rama’s alleged political motives, Berisha called on Albanians to assess the prime minister’s actions independently, particularly regarding the use of Kushner’s status as a strategic investor.