Why is this important: The Democratic Party has justified its unprecedented lobbying expenses by citing the “Make Albania Great Again” foundation. But newly uncovered documents show the foundation was only registered on March 27, 2025 — exactly seven days before the contract was signed — suggesting it may have been established solely to serve as a financial vehicle for the deal.

Why is this important: Economic resilience boosts investor confidence and strengthens Albania’s prospects amid regional and international challenges. Sustained growth also translates into tangible improvements in employment, incomes, and financial stability.

Why is this important: The high number of internationally wanted Albanians reflects persistent challenges with organized crime, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses. It also highlights ongoing efforts by Albania’s law enforcement to deepen cooperation with international partners.

Why is this important: A sharp rise in consumption-driven borrowing can signal underlying stress in household finances. Experts warn that an economy increasingly reliant on consumer credit could face serious difficulties if hit by an external financial shock or a tightening of credit conditions.

Why is this important: The incident highlights the Democratic Party’s increasingly desperate attempts to fabricate narratives of American support for Sali Berisha and U.S. hostility to Edi Rama. It also reveals the risks DP is willing to take — including spreading false claims and involving high-profile U.S. figures — to bolster its failing electoral strategy. The public denial by Trump Jr. has severely undercut DP’s credibility just days before the May 11 elections.

Why is this important: The project is part of a broader government plan to revive Albania’s dormant military industry and develop a domestic production network for the armed forces, police, firefighting services, and potential export. The move also seeks to repurpose abandoned industrial infrastructure and stimulate the local economy.

Why is this important: The DP’s internal order to avoid the lobbying topic highlights the party’s strategic concerns about the political fallout just days before the May 11 elections. It also underscores the sensitivity of the issue, as SPAK examines the contract’s financial and legal implications.

Why is this important: While Berisha seeks to shift the campaign agenda toward economic issues, his silence on the growing lobbying scandal raises questions about transparency and political accountability. The contrast between the scale of the promises and the unresolved funding controversy risks undermining DP’s credibility with voters.

Why is this important: The agreement is positioned as a major step toward transforming Albania’s healthcare and medical education sectors. It sets the ambition for QSUT to become a regional leader in medical services and education, potentially reducing the need for Albanians to seek healthcare abroad.

Opinion by Mero Baze