Controversy erupts over alleged call for criminal gangs to support Berisha by his media ally

A recent TV editorial by Çim Peka, a close ally of Sali Berisha and head of the pro-Berisha media outlet Syri.tv, has caused an uproar in Albania. In his address, Peka appeared to issue a coded message to criminal gangs, warning them that Prime Minister Edi Rama will abandon them after the elections to the mercy of SPAK. The implication, many argue, was a call for support for Berisha, who has pledged to dismantle the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) and reverse judicial reforms if he wins.

Why is this important: Peka’s remarks have been interpreted as an attempt to rally criminal support for Berisha’s return to power, raising concerns over the opposition’s willingness to exploit criminal networks for electoral gains.

Context: In his televised message, Peka addressed various criminal groups, both in Albania and abroad. Using the euphemistic term “the boys” to refer to organized crime gangs, Peka called on “… the boys from Durrës, Shkodër, Elbasan, Fier, Vlorë, and Dubai… Keep in mind, Edi Rama is negotiating, before or after the elections. SPAK won’t forgive or close your cases; it’s just a matter of time.”

He went on to warn that if Rama remains in power, criminal organizations will remain under intense scrutiny. However, if Berisha wins, the focus of investigations will shift away from gangs and onto Rama himself.

“If Rama is no longer prime minister, the spotlight will be on him, and your turn may or may not come.”

What else: The editorial has sparked condemnation with commentators accusing Berisha and his allies of endorsing criminal impunity and calling on criminal groups to get involved in the elections in support of the Democratic Party.

Berisha has long vowed to overhaul SPAK and reverse Albania’s judicial reforms, which were implemented under the supervision of the European Union and United States.