DP coalition ally calls for transparency over $6 million U.S. lobbying contract

A key ally of the Democratic Party (DP) has publicly distanced himself from the party’s controversial $6 million lobbying contract in the United States, calling for transparency and legal clarity.

Why this is important: The contract — intended to gain U.S. backing for the DP and remove sanctions on former Prime Minister Sali Berisha — has become a major source of political controversy. That an agreement of such scope and cost was signed in the name of an entire coalition without informing its constituent parties raises serious concerns about transparency and internal governance.

Context: Agron Duka, leader of the Agrarian Environmentalist Party (PAA), made the remarks in an interview with A2 CNN. His party is one of 25 members of the “Greater Albania Alliance,” a coalition formally represented by Flamur Noka when he signed the contract on behalf of the DP. However, Duka said he had no prior knowledge of the deal and emphasized the need for accountability.

“I have no idea about this,” Duka said. “Transparency is always good. Justice must look into it. If it’s legal, fine. If not, those responsible should be held accountable.”

The deal with Washington-based lobbying firm Continental Strategy includes a monthly fee of $250,000 over two years. Its exposure triggered immediate political fallout, including scrutiny from the Special Prosecution Against Corruption (SPAK), and renewed questions about foreign funding and campaign finance compliance.

What else: Political analysts believe that with this controversy the DP may have handed Prime Minister Edi Rama an unintended advantage in the campaign’s final stretch, allowing them to dominate the narrative with questions about ethics and money.

“Instead of focusing on the election, we’re talking about financial shadows,” said Lutfi Dervishi, a well-known analyst. “This should have been disclosed by the DP proactively. Now, it’s a public relations and legal mess.”

What’s next: The Central Election Commission (KQZ) awaits full financial declarations. Meanwhile, SPAK is conducting preliminary verifications, and pressure is growing on DP leadership to explain how the deal was structured — and who knew what, when.