FLASH
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The clash between the Berisha family and media outlets linked to Turkish circles brings to the surface the larger game for control of the Albanian opposition...
A public debate between Jamarbër Malltez and a media outlet funded by Turkish structures in Albania, following the incident at the February 20 rally at the Namazgja Mosque, has revealed deeper tensions than a spur-of-the-moment reaction. Behind the harsh retorts lie old political and economic interests, but also a broader battle to create or control a new opposition in Albania. While some European countries are looking for alternatives to Edi Rama, Turkey and Greece seem to have long invested in parallel structures of influence. In this scenario, Sali Berisha is seen as a figure who either refuses to enter the new market, or is no longer considered a reliable partner by the circles that demand a reformation of the opposition.
In the last days of February, there was a public clash, which was also reflected on social networks, between Erdogan-linked media circles in Tirana and high-ranking segments of the Democratic Party.
Namely, it included Sali Berisha's family, specifically his son-in-law Jamarbër Malltezi, and a media outlet funded by non-profit organizations linked to Erdogan in Albania.
The clash was related to the incident that occurred at the February 20 rally near the Namazgja Mosque, where Molotov cocktails were also thrown.
However, referring to the tone and tension of the replies between the parties, it seems that this was not a random incident. The debate took place on the social media pages of this media outlet, where Jamarbër Malltezi responded harshly to criticism of the attack on the mosque.
The parties seemed to be filled with old, long-held resentments. While one side openly spoke of the hypocrisy of the opposition towards the Muslim community, Malltezi said that "I wanted to pray, but the mosque was filled with police who wouldn't let me in, even though I didn't feel like praying in a place of worship on land that belongs to someone else."
This brings to light an old business conflict between the Berisha family and the Muslim Community of Albania dating back to 2013, when the project approved by Sali Berisha's government for a tower next to the mosque was dropped, a project suspended at the insistence of Edi Rama after he took office as prime minister.
Although the anger over the lost millions has not subsided, it seems that we are dealing with a more complicated game.
This is clearly seen both in the lack of participation in Sali Berisha's activities, protests and rallies, as well as in his movements to create an alternative "civil society".
The candidacy for the Municipality of Tirana in September and the move with Ermal Hasime do not seem like random actions.
Under pressure from various quarters to pave the way for a new opposition, the DP leader is trying to maintain control, albeit with limited means.
These circles include European countries such as Great Britain, Germany and France, interested in creating a political alternative to Edi Rama.
Public figures critical of the government have been invited to diplomatic corridors and various events as a signal of support for a democratic opposition. However, the political culture of these countries is not to directly create opposition, but to encourage it.
On the other hand, Turkey and Greece have long established influence structures in Albania, integrating them into the major parties, respectively Turkey near Edi Rama and Greece near Sali Berisha.
After the last elections, Athens signaled that it was seeking new opposition leadership, raising the issue of Sali Berisha's departure.
Meanwhile, circles linked to Erdogan took public action against Edi Rama, accusing him of being pro-Israeli, and organized protests for Gaza, where international figures such as Greta Thunberg also participated.
However, these movements cannot function in isolation and risk facing strong political backlash.
Therefore, the aim is to support and finance a new opposition, where the threads of influence are dispersed.
It seems that Sali Berisha either refuses to enter this game, or is not considered a suitable partner.
The DP's relations with the new parties, which seem to have better ties to Athens, are cold.
This plan is strategic and is expected to continue. The influential parties will clash or negotiate. So far, it seems that no final agreement has been reached./ Pamphlet
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