Sali Berisha acknowledges no immediate hope of U.S. ‘non grata’ removal

During a press conference on Wednesday, Sali Berisha admitted that he currently has no expectations of having the U.S. ‘non grata’ designation lifted. Berisha revealed that he has not yet initiated any lobbying efforts to seek the reversal of the decision, explaining that this issue is not a priority for the new U.S. administration led by Donald Trump.

Why is this important: Berisha and his family were declared ‘non grata’ by the United States in May 2021, under the signature of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, citing major corruption and actions that undermined democracy. The designation has had a significant impact on Berisha’s political career and credibility, both domestically and internationally. His acknowledgement that the matter is not a priority for the U.S. administration reflects the complex and lengthy nature of diplomatic and political processes for such cases.

Context: The ‘non grata’ designation, announced in 2021, accused Berisha of engaging in major corruption and undermining democratic processes. The decision was part of the U.S. State Department’s broader anti-corruption efforts aimed at promoting democratic governance in the Western Balkans. This status has significantly affected Berisha’s political standing, limiting his interactions with international partners and affecting his leadership of the Democratic Party of Albania.

Berisha’s admission suggests that he recognizes the need for a gradual approach, as key positions in the U.S. administration are still being filled. He mentioned that the process of appointing and confirming officials, including those below cabinet level, requires approval from Congress—a procedure that could take time. He emphasized that he does not expect this issue to be addressed in the early days of the administration’s term.

Next steps: Berisha’s political future and the possibility of reversing the ‘non grata’ designation may depend on future developments in U.S.-Albanian relations and the completion of appointments within the U.S. administration. For now, Berisha remains cautious, indicating that any lobbying efforts will be deferred until the administrative process is further along.