Former campaign advisor to President Donald Trump, Chris Lacivita, is backing right-wing Democratic leader Sari Belisha in the Congressional elections set for Sunday, where she faces off against popular Socialist Prime Minister Eddie Rama. Lacivita, along with Paul Manafort and strategist Tony Fabrizio, is part of the effort supporting Belisha. He draws parallels between Trump and Belisha, asserting that both have faced unjust charges and persecution from a government that, according to him, lacks respect for democracy.
In an interview with Syri TV, Lacivita emphasized the global significance of the Albanian elections, noting the influence of the Soros family in politics worldwide. He claims they thrive in unstable environments, suggesting Albania has become an ideal setting for their operations, largely due to the leadership of Prime Minister Rama.
Rama, who is campaigning for a fourth term, promises to guide Albania toward EU membership while the country grapples with corruption and emigration issues. Lacivita contends that Soros’ involvement is pivotal, influencing Albania’s trajectory and noting Belisha’s campaign as fundamentally about improving life for Albanian families.
The Open Society Foundation, linked to George and Alex Soros, has reportedly invested over $131 million in Albania across 18 years. However, inquiries to the Foundation have gone unanswered.
Belisha has faced challenges as a result of sanctions imposed on him by the Biden administration due to corruption allegations. He described these sanctions as a form of political warfare, claiming they hinder his ability to effectively campaign.
Compounding matters, Belisha has lost legal immunity and is currently under house arrest while awaiting trial. He has framed the accusations against him as politically motivated actions driven by his opponents.
Notably, other candidates, including former President Ilil Mehta, have also faced legal troubles ahead of the election.
As the elections approach, concerns about the ruling Socialist Party’s pressure tactics have intensified. Former U.S. Ambassador Agim Neshaw highlighted that Albanians are grappling with curtailed democratic rights. He argued that the Biden administration paves the way for oppressive governance in Albania. Yet, he also pointed to a rising grassroots movement that could potentially change the political landscape.
Neshaw underscored the necessity for the U.S. to champion democracy and law, advocating for genuinely free elections in Albania after years of manipulated outcomes.
While the Socialist Party may appear favored in the polls, the opportunity for expatriate Albanians to vote for the first time adds an unpredictable element to the elections, leaving space for Belisha to possibly secure a victory.
