Sali Berisha, leader of Albania’s Democratic Party, participated in a virtual meeting with members of the Albanian diaspora in Michigan, USA. During the meeting, Berisha encouraged the diaspora to support Nik Gjonaj, an Albanian-American Republican candidate, and urged them to vote for the Republican candidate in the U.S. presidential elections. His message centered on diaspora engagement but also hinted at his hope to restore ties with the U.S. through Republican channels.

Why is this relevant: In his speech, Berisha emphasized the importance of the diaspora vote, stating, “Your vote is a significant force,” and urged Albanian-Americans to back Republican candidates in the U.S. and his political platform in Albania. The outreach appears to be part of a broader attempt to gain favor with the Albanian-American community, particularly those aligned with the Republicans, in the hopes of regaining political standing in the U.S.

Context: Currently under house arrest, Berisha has turned to online platforms to communicate with his supporters. His persona non grata status, imposed by the U.S. Department of State in 2021 due to corruption allegations, has limited his international travel. Though Berisha did not directly address his efforts to have his travel restrictions lifted, his open support for Republican candidates suggests a strategy to cultivate political allies in the U.S.

The specter of Soros: In his speech he also attacked George Soros. Attacks against Soros have become a recurring theme with Berisha, mainly for domestic consumption to explain away his legal troubles as product of a sinister leftwing conspiracy. He has accused Soros of working to undermine democracy in Albania and cement Edi Rama in power by promoting justice reform and by using the US Embassy in Tirana – and even the US Secretary of State – to attack him. However, by presenting himself as a vocal opponent of Soros to a US audience, Berisha likely aims to align with U.S. Republican figures who have also criticized Soros, hoping this will help him gain favor and, potentially, reverse his persona non grata status.