Sali Berisha

Prof. Dr.
Sali Berisha
Berisha in 2025
32nd Prime Minister of Albania
In office
8 September 2005 – 11 September 2013
President
Preceded byFatos Nano
Succeeded byEdi Rama
2nd President of Albania
In office
9 April 1992 – 24 July 1997
Prime Minister
Preceded byRamiz Alia
Succeeded byRexhep Meidani
Leader of the Opposition
Incumbent
Assumed office
22 May 2022
Preceded byLulzim Basha
In office
25 July 1997 – 8 September 2005
Preceded byFatos Nano
Succeeded byEdi Rama
In office
22 February 1991 – 9 April 1992
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byFatos Nano
Chairman of the Democratic Party
Incumbent
Assumed office
22 May 2022
Preceded byLulzim Basha
In office
24 July 1997 – 22 July 2013
Preceded byTritan Shehu
Succeeded byLulzim Basha
In office
12 December 1990 – 9 April 1992
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byEduard Selami
Parliamentary offices
Member of the Albanian Parliament
Incumbent
Assumed office
10 September 2021
ConstituencyTirana County
In office
23 July 1997 – 20 February 2019
Constituency
In office
15 April 1991 – 9 April 1992
ConstituencyKavaja
Personal details
BornSali Ram Berisha
(1944-10-15) 15 October 1944
Viçidol, Tropojë, German-occupied Albania
PartyDemocratic
Other political
affiliations
Party of Labour (1968–1990)
Spouse
​
(m. 1971)​
Children2
EducationUniversity of Tirana (MD)
Occupation
  • Politician
  • Cardiologist
Signature
Websitesali-berisha.com

Sali Ram Berisha[a] (born 15 October 1944) is an Albanian politician and retired cardiologist who served as President of Albania from 1992 to 1997 and as the 32nd Prime Minister of Albania from 2005 to 2013. He was the founding chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania (DP), the first major opposition party created after the end of communist one-party rule, and has remained one of the dominant and most polarising figures in post-communist Albanian politics.[1][2]

Berisha entered national politics in 1990 during the final months of communist rule and was elected president after the Democratic Party won the 1992 Albanian parliamentary election. His presidency was associated with market reforms, Albania's opening toward Western institutions, and severe democratic backsliding. Human-rights and election observers reported intimidation, media pressure, police violence, politicised courts and extensive irregularities during the 1996 Albanian parliamentary election.[3][4] The collapse of pyramid investment schemes in 1996–1997 led to the 1997 Albanian civil unrest, the loss of state control over much of the country, early elections, and Berisha's resignation as president in July 1997.[5][6]

After eight years in opposition, Berisha returned to power as prime minister following the 2005 Albanian parliamentary election. His premiership included Albania's signing and entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union, accession to NATO in 2009, the construction of major road infrastructure including the Durrës-Kukës Highway, and visa-free travel to the Schengen area for Albanian citizens from late 2010.[7][8][9] His government was also marked by controversies including the 2008 Gërdec explosions, in which 26 people were killed at a munitions dismantling site, and the 21 January 2011 protest killings, when four opposition protesters were shot by state forces outside the prime minister's office.[10][11] After the DP's defeat in the 2013 Albanian parliamentary election, Berisha resigned as party chairman but remained a member of parliament.

Berisha returned to the leadership of the Democratic Party after a bitter internal split that followed his 2021 public designation by the United States Department of State for alleged involvement in "significant corruption" during his time as prime minister.[12] In 2022, he said he had also been barred from entering the United Kingdom over alleged links to organised crime and corruption; the Special Immigration Appeals Commission dismissed his appeal against that ban in 2024.[13] Berisha denies wrongdoing and says the allegations and later domestic prosecution are politically motivated. In September 2024, Albanian prosecutors formally charged him with corruption in connection with the privatisation and redevelopment of the former Partizani sports complex; his trial began in July 2025.[14][15] In the 2025 Albanian parliamentary election, Berisha led the Democratic Party-led Alliance for a Magnificent Albania, which won 50 of the 140 seats and remained in opposition.[16]

Early life and medical career

Berisha was born on 15 October 1944 in Viçidol, in the northern Tropojë region, to a Muslim family of mountain farmers associated with the Berisha tribe.[1][17] He studied medicine at the University of Tirana, graduating in 1967, and later specialised in cardiology.[1]

Before entering politics, Berisha worked as a physician and academic in Tirana. The Albanian presidency's official biography states that he became an assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine in 1969 and later served as head of the haemodynamics department at the Tirana University Hospital Centre.[1] In 1978, he received a UNESCO fellowship for postgraduate specialisation in Paris.[1] During the communist period, he was a member of the Party of Labour of Albania, as was required for many professional and academic careers in state institutions.[17]

Entry into politics and founding of the Democratic Party

During 1990, as Ramiz Alia's communist government faced growing pressure for political change, Berisha became active among the intellectuals and students calling for pluralism. He publicly criticised the limits of the regime's reforms and supported removing the constitutional monopoly of the Party of Labour.[1] In December 1990, after student protests in Tirana, Berisha became one of the founders of the Democratic Party of Albania, the first opposition party legally formed after the communist era. He was elected the party's first chairman and became a member of parliament in 1991 for Kavajë.[1]

The DP's emergence coincided with the rapid collapse of one-party rule. In the 1991 Albanian parliamentary election, the Party of Labour retained a majority, while the DP became the main opposition force. One year later, after continuing unrest and economic hardship, the DP won the 1992 Albanian parliamentary election, opening the way for Berisha's election as president.[1]

President of Albania (1992–1997)

Election and early reforms

After the DP victory in the 1992 parliamentary election, Berisha was elected President of Albania on 9 April 1992, succeeding Ramiz Alia.[1] His presidency took place during the early transition from Albania's communist planned economy to a market economy. The government liberalised prices, pursued privatisation, reduced many state controls and sought integration with Western institutions. Albania signed NATO's Partnership for Peace framework document in 1994 and joined the Council of Europe in 1995.[18][19]

The transition also created institutional fragility. The banking sector remained weak, regulatory oversight was limited, and informal financial schemes expanded rapidly. The International Monetary Fund later described Albania in this period as having a rudimentary financial system and a public that was highly vulnerable to investment schemes promising extraordinary returns.[5]

Religion and foreign policy

Berisha's government reversed the communist regime's ban on religion and pursued relations with both Western and Islamic organisations. Albania joined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 1992. Some scholars have argued that the opening of the country allowed Islamic charities and organisations from Saudi Arabia and other states to enter Albania, finance mosques and schools, and attempt to spread conservative interpretations of Islam, while Albania's domestic politics remained formally secular and multi-confessional.[20][21]

Democratic backsliding and the 1996 elections

Berisha's first presidency became increasingly controversial over allegations of authoritarian practices. Human Rights Watch reported that in 1996 the government used police violence, politicised courts, media control and electoral manipulation to weaken political rivals and consolidate power.[3] The 1996 Albanian parliamentary election, won overwhelmingly by the Democratic Party, was heavily criticised by international and domestic observers. Human Rights Watch documented physical attacks, ballot stuffing and voter-list manipulation, concluding that the violations undermined the legitimacy of the election.[4] The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe noted that while the lawfulness of the newly elected parliament could not be questioned, the credibility of the democratic process had been damaged and the authorities were responsible for violence around the vote.[22]

Pyramid schemes and the 1997 crisis

The collapse of pyramid investment schemes in late 1996 and early 1997 triggered the most severe crisis of Berisha's presidency. The IMF estimated that Albanians had invested sums equivalent to a very large share of gross domestic product in schemes offering unsustainable returns, and that many households lost most of their savings.[5] Public anger was directed at the government, which was accused by critics of tolerating or encouraging the schemes and of failing to act despite warnings.[5]

In March 1997, after violent protests spread and weapons depots were looted, the government lost control of large parts of the country. The United States human-rights report for 1997 stated that security forces retained some control in Tirana for all except a few days, but that in the rest of the country state control and authority were largely lost.[23] A national reconciliation government led by Bashkim Fino was formed and early elections were held in June 1997. After the DP's defeat, Berisha resigned as president on 24 July 1997 and was succeeded by Rexhep Meidani.[6]

Leader of the Opposition (1997–2005)

After leaving the presidency, Berisha returned to the chairmanship of the Democratic Party and became leader of the opposition. The period remained unstable. On 12 September 1998, DP member of parliament Azem Hajdari was assassinated in Tirana. During Hajdari's funeral procession on 14 September, armed opposition supporters entered and briefly occupied government buildings, including the prime minister's office and the state broadcaster. The government described the violence as an attempted coup, while Berisha and the DP accused the Socialist-led government of responsibility for the political climate surrounding Hajdari's murder.[24][25]

Berisha led the DP through the 2001 Albanian parliamentary election, which the Socialists won. In 2004, the DP organised a series of large protests against Prime Minister Fatos Nano under the slogan "Nano, go away" (Albanian: Nano ik), accusing the government of corruption and mismanagement.[26]

Prime Minister of Albania (2005–2013)

Berisha with Silvio Berlusconi in Meise, 2006
Berisha with George W. Bush in Tirana, 2007
Berisha with Wilfried Martens and Kostas Karamanlis, 2007
Sali and Liri Berisha with Barack and Michelle Obama, 2009
Berisha with Angela Merkel during the EPP Congress in Bucharest, 2012

2005 election and return to power

The Democratic Party and its allies won the 2005 Albanian parliamentary election, ending eight years of Socialist-led government. The OSCE/ODIHR final report described the election as competitive but said it complied only partially with OSCE commitments and other standards, citing long delays, tactical voting, complaints procedures and other weaknesses.[27] Berisha became prime minister on 8 September 2005.

European and Euro-Atlantic integration

Berisha's second period in government coincided with important steps in Albania's Euro-Atlantic integration. Albania signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union in June 2006; the agreement entered into force in April 2009.[7] Albania joined NATO on 1 April 2009.[8] In November 2010, the Council of the European Union approved visa liberalisation for citizens of Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing short stays in the Schengen area without a visa from December 2010.[9]

Berisha also applied for EU membership in April 2009. Albania was not granted candidate status during his premiership; the Council of the European Union later granted candidate status in June 2014, after his government had left office.[28]

On 10 June 2007, U.S. president George W. Bush visited Tirana, the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to Albania. Bush praised Albania's pro-American orientation and supported independence for Kosovo, while Berisha presented the visit as confirmation of Albania's Western alignment.[29][30]

Infrastructure and economy

Berisha's government promoted road-building as a central part of its programme. The most important project was the Durrës–Kukës Highway, also known as the "Nation Road", linking Albania's Adriatic coast with Kosovo. The project was politically popular among many Albanians because of its symbolic link with Kosovo, but was criticised by the Socialist opposition and by auditors over cost overruns, procurement practices and transparency.[31]

Economic growth remained positive for much of Berisha's premiership, although Albania continued to face high informality, corruption, weak public administration and political polarisation. International organisations generally credited Albania with macroeconomic stability and integration progress, while also warning about rule-of-law and governance weaknesses.[32][28]

Gërdec explosion and arms-trafficking controversy

On 15 March 2008, a munitions dismantling facility exploded at Gërdec, near Tirana, killing 26 people, injuring hundreds and damaging thousands of buildings.[10] Defence Minister Fatmir Mediu resigned after the disaster. Investigations focused on safety violations, the role of the private company contracted to dismantle ammunition, and the involvement of officials in the Ministry of Defence and state arms-trading structures.[10] The case remained politically sensitive for years; Mediu was later ordered to face trial again after the justice reform and the creation of the special anti-corruption system.[10]

The Gërdec disaster was also linked in media reporting to a broader controversy over the sale of Albanian ammunition to contractors supplying Afghan forces. The New York Times and Balkan Insight reported allegations that ammunition origins had been misrepresented and that the affair raised questions about official oversight. Berisha's government denied wrongdoing in the arms sales.[33]

2009 election and coalition with LSI

The 2009 Albanian parliamentary election produced a narrow victory for Berisha's coalition but left it short of a majority. The DP formed a governing coalition with the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI) led by Ilir Meta.[31] OSCE/ODIHR reported that the elections marked progress in voter registration and identification, campaigning, voting, counting and complaint procedures, but also noted remaining shortcomings and political mistrust.[32] The Socialist opposition rejected the result and demanded a recount, leading to a prolonged political crisis, parliamentary boycotts and hunger strikes.

21 January 2011 protest killings

On 21 January 2011, an anti-government protest organised by the Socialist opposition outside the prime minister's office in Tirana turned violent. Three protesters were killed that day and a fourth later died from his injuries.[34][11] Berisha described the protest as an attempted coup; Human Rights Watch called for an independent investigation and said the prime minister should not interfere with the criminal inquiry.[35]

Two members of the Republican Guard were later jailed for the deaths of three protesters. In 2024, Albania's Supreme Court ordered prosecutors to resume the investigation into the death of Aleks Nika, the fourth protester, after the European Court of Human Rights found that the earlier handling of the case had been inadequate.[11]

2013 defeat and resignation as party chairman

The 2013 Albanian parliamentary election resulted in a victory for the Socialist-led coalition headed by Edi Rama. OSCE/ODIHR stated that the election was competitive with active citizen participation and respect for fundamental freedoms, although it also noted problems including politicised institutions and instances of violence.[36] Berisha conceded defeat and resigned as Democratic Party chairman, ending his second long tenure as party leader. Lulzim Basha succeeded him as DP chairman, while Berisha remained in parliament.

Leader of the Opposition (2021–present)

Berisha speaking at the European People's Party Congress in Valencia, 2025
Berisha with Ursula von der Leyen during the European People's Party Congress in Valencia, 2025

U.S. designation and Democratic Party split

On 19 May 2021, the U.S. State Department publicly designated Berisha, his wife, son and daughter under Section 7031(c) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Berisha had allegedly been involved in significant corruption during his time as prime minister, including misappropriation of public funds, interference with public processes and using his power for his own benefit and to enrich allies and family members.[12] Berisha denied the allegations and called for evidence to be made public.[37]

On 9 September 2021, DP chairman Lulzim Basha expelled Berisha from the party's parliamentary group, citing the U.S. designation and the party's relations with the United States.[38] Berisha responded by launching a nationwide "Re-establishment" movement inside the party, organising assemblies and rallies that challenged Basha's leadership. On 11 December 2021, a party assembly convened by Berisha's supporters voted to dismiss Basha, deepening the split between the two factions.[39]

On 8 January 2022, Berisha's supporters attempted to enter the Democratic Party headquarters in Tirana. The protest turned violent and police special forces intervened.[40] Basha resigned from the party leadership in March 2022. Berisha was elected chairman by his faction in May 2022, although the legal dispute over the party seal continued. On 11 June 2024, the Tirana Court of Appeal recognised Berisha's faction as holding the official Democratic Party seal and logo.[41]

Opposition protests and 2022 assault

Berisha led or supported a series of opposition protests against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, citing corruption, cost-of-living pressures and alleged democratic backsliding. In December 2022, while leading a protest in Tirana during an EU–Western Balkans summit, Berisha was punched in the face by a man in the crowd. Reuters reported that the assailant was detained and that Berisha accused Rama of organising the attack, which Rama denied; officials including President Bajram Begaj condemned the assault.[42]

2025 parliamentary election

In the 2025 Albanian parliamentary election, Berisha led the Alliance for a Magnificent Albania, a Democratic Party-led coalition. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the alliance won 50 seats, while the Socialist Party won 83 and secured a fourth consecutive term for Edi Rama.[16] Reuters reported that Berisha and the opposition rejected the result, saying the vote had been stolen.[43] OSCE/ODIHR's final report stated that the elections were competitive and professionally managed, but took place in a highly polarised environment and did not provide contestants with a level playing field, citing intimidation, misuse of public resources, pressure on public employees and vote-buying allegations.[44]

In September 2025, after the confirmation of the Rama IV Government, Berisha criticised the new cabinet and Rama's fourth mandate, saying in parliament that the mandate was based on crime, corruption, drugs and violations of the constitution. He also criticised the appointment of the AI-generated system Diella to oversee public tenders, which opposition figures described as unconstitutional.[45]

Flamingo Revolution

During the Flamingo Revolution in 2026, protests against a Kushner-linked coastal resort project and against the government of Edi Rama expanded into broader anti-corruption and anti-establishment demonstrations. Berisha and the Democratic Party supported the anti-government character of the protests and accused Rama's government of selling public land and undermining the rule of law. However, several reports noted that some protesters directed anger at both Rama and Berisha, reflecting wider frustration with Albania's long-dominant political elite.[46][47]

On 7 July 2026, in an interview with Truth Times, opposition leader Sali Berisha described the demonstrations as "the most important movement of the last 35 years", comparing them to the movement that overthrew Albania's communist regime in the early 1990s. He said the Democratic Party supported the protests but would not seek to lead them, called for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and the formation of a non-partisan caretaker government, rejected the government's claims of foreign involvement in the demonstrations, and alleged that authorities had attempted to portray the protests as antisemitic while insisting the movement was "not, and is not, antisemitic".[48]

United States and United Kingdom entry bans

On 19 May 2021, the United States publicly designated Berisha and immediate family members under Section 7031(c), making them ineligible to enter the United States. The State Department alleged that Berisha had been involved in significant corruption while prime minister, including misappropriation of public funds and interference with public processes.[12] Berisha denied the allegations and described the decision as defamatory and politically motivated.[37]

In July 2022, Berisha said that he had been barred from entering the United Kingdom. Reuters reported that the UK exclusion was based on alleged links to organised crime and corruption, which Berisha denied. In June 2024, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission dismissed his appeal against the ban.[13]

In June 2026, Berisha said that the United States had lifted the 2021 travel ban on him and his family. A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Reuters that waivers had been issued for several 7031(c) designations imposed under the previous administration because doing so served a compelling national interest, but the department did not identify the individuals covered by the waivers.[49]

Partizani complex corruption case

In October 2023, Albania's Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) placed Berisha under investigation in connection with the privatisation and redevelopment of the former Partizani sports complex in Tirana. Prosecutors alleged that Berisha abused his office as prime minister to favour the interests of his son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, who was involved in the redevelopment of the property.[50] Malltezi was arrested on corruption and money-laundering allegations, while Berisha was ordered to report to prosecutors and not leave Albania.[50]

In December 2023, Albania's parliament lifted Berisha's immunity and the Special Court placed him under house arrest after prosecutors said he had failed to comply with the reporting requirement.[51] Berisha denied wrongdoing and described the case as a political attack ordered by Prime Minister Edi Rama; Rama denied involvement.[14] Prosecutors formally charged Berisha in September 2024.[14] He was released from house arrest on 27 November 2024 while awaiting trial.[2] The trial began at the Special Court in July 2025 and also included Malltezi and other defendants.[15]

Haklaj family complaint

In December 2022, members of the Haklaj family filed a criminal complaint with SPAK accusing Berisha and others of involvement in violence and killings connected with the long-running Tropojë feud of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Albanian media reported the complaint and the family's allegations. Berisha has denied responsibility, and the filing of a complaint did not itself establish criminal liability.[52][53]

Political positions and style

Berisha is generally associated with the centre-right and conservative wing of Albanian politics. He has presented himself as anti-communist, pro-Western, pro-NATO and supportive of Kosovo's independence. Critics and human-rights organisations have also described parts of his political career, especially during the 1990s, as marked by authoritarian tendencies, centralisation of power and hostility toward institutional checks and balances.[3][22]

His political style is highly confrontational. Supporters credit him with leading Albania out of communist isolation, building the Democratic Party, strengthening ties with the United States and NATO, and developing major infrastructure. Opponents accuse him of weakening democratic institutions, tolerating corruption, using polarising rhetoric and obstructing accountability in major crises such as the 1997 unrest, Gërdec and the 2011 protest killings.[3][10][11]

Personal life

Berisha is married to Liri Berisha (née Ramaj), a paediatrician. She has been active in charitable work through the Albanian Children Foundation, particularly in relation to children with autism and Down syndrome.[54] The couple have two children, Argita Malltezi (née Berisha), a lawyer and academic, and Shkëlzen Berisha.[1]

Berisha's immediate family has been included in the U.S. public designation and in related political controversy. His daughter Argita and son-in-law Jamarbër Malltezi have denied allegations connected with the Partizani case.[14]

Honours and awards

See also

References

  1. ↑ Albanian pronunciation: [saˈli bɛˈɾiʃa] ⓘ
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha". President of Albania. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Albanian opposition leader Berisha released from house arrest, court says". Reuters. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Human Rights Watch World Report 1997 – Albania". Refworld / Human Rights Watch. 1 January 1997. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  4. 1 2 "Democracy Derailed: Violations in the May 26, 1996 Albanian Elections". Human Rights Watch. 1 June 1996. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Jarvis, Christopher (March 2000). "The Rise and Fall of Albania's Pyramid Schemes". Finance & Development. 37 (1). International Monetary Fund. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Albania: President Berisha Resigns". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 24 July 1997. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  7. 1 2 "Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and the Republic of Albania". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
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  11. 1 2 3 4 "Albania's Supreme Court orders prosecutors to resume a probe of the 2011 killing of 4 protesters". Associated Press. 12 March 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  12. 1 2 3 Blinken, Antony J. (19 May 2021). "Public Designation of Albanian Sali Berisha Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  13. 1 2 "Albania's former PM Berisha loses appeal against ban from UK". Reuters. 17 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "Prosecutors indict Albania's ex PM on corruption charges". Reuters. 11 September 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  15. 1 2 "Albanian court begins corruption trial against former Prime Minister Sali Berisha". Associated Press. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  16. 1 2 "Albania Parliament May 2025 Election". Inter-Parliamentary Union. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  17. 1 2 "Sali Berisha – Munzinger Biographie". Munzinger (in German). Retrieved 24 June 2026.
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  22. 1 2 "Recent parliamentary elections in Albania". Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. 25 June 1996. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
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  27. ↑ "Albania, Parliamentary Elections, 3 July 2005: Final Report". OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. 8 November 2005. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  28. 1 2 "Albania". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  29. ↑ "Bush Is Greeted Warmly in Albania". The New York Times. 10 June 2007. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  30. ↑ "The President's News Conference With Prime Minister Sali Berisha of Albania in Tirana, Albania". The American Presidency Project. 10 June 2007. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  31. 1 2 "Albania PM re-election confirmed". BBC News. 27 July 2009. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  32. 1 2 "Albania, Parliamentary Elections, 28 June 2009: Final Report". OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  33. ↑ "Report: Albania PM Admits to Arms Trafficking". Balkan Insight. 29 May 2008. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
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  35. ↑ "Albania: Independent Inquiry Needed Into Protester Deaths". Human Rights Watch. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  36. ↑ "Albania, Parliamentary Elections, 23 June 2013: Final Report". OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  37. 1 2 Semini, Llazar (19 May 2021). "US sanctions former Albania leader Berisha over corruption". Associated Press. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  38. ↑ "Democratic Party Co-Founder Sali Berisha Expelled from Parliamentary Group". Exit News. 9 September 2021. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  39. ↑ "Kuvendi i thirrur nga Berisha, shkarkon Bashën dhe Kryesinë e PD". Euronews Albania (in Albanian). 11 December 2021. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  40. ↑ "Albania police disperse opposition protesters trying to storm party headquarters". Reuters. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  41. ↑ "Albanian Court Hands Opposition Democratic Party Back to Berisha". Balkan Insight. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  42. ↑ "Albanian opposition leader punched in face as he marches to protest". Reuters. 6 December 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  43. ↑ Bytyci, Fatos (13 May 2025). "Albania's Rama wins historic fourth term, opposition says vote stolen". Reuters. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  44. ↑ "Albania, Parliamentary Elections, 11 May 2025: Final Report". OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  45. ↑ "Albania's Rama starts fourth term as PM, targets EU membership". Reuters. 18 September 2025. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  46. ↑ "Tens of thousands of Albanians join 'Flamingo Revolution' protest". Financial Times. 20 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  47. ↑ "'We want a new Albania': protests against Jared Kushner-backed resort turn anger on government". The Guardian. 22 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  48. ↑ Smith, Jamie (7 July 2026). "Sali Berisha on Albania's Protests: 'This Is the Most Important Movement in 35 Years'". Truth Times. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
  49. ↑ "Albania opposition leader Berisha says US lifts entry ban on him". Reuters. 12 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  50. 1 2 "Former Albanian prime minister accused of corruption told to report to prosecutors, stay in country". Associated Press. 23 October 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  51. ↑ "Albania's ex-Prime Minister Berisha put under house arrest while investigated for corruption". Associated Press. 30 December 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  52. ↑ "DOCUMENTS/ Haklaj's report to SPAK, Sali Berisha is accused of being the head of an 'armed gang'". Vox News. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  53. ↑ "Kallëzimi i Haklajve në SPAK, Sali Berisha akuzohet si kreu i një 'bande të armatosur'". Gazeta Tema. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  54. ↑ "Rreth nesh". Fondacioni Fëmijët Shqiptarë (in Albanian). Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  55. ↑ "Berisha S.E. Sali – Cavaliere di Gran Croce Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana". Presidency of the Italian Republic (in Italian). Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  56. ↑ "Doctor Honoris Causa të Universitetit të Prishtinës". Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  57. ↑ "Kryeministri Berisha shpallet Doktor Honoris Causa në Strugë". Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  58. ↑ "Berisha shpallet "Qytetar Nderi" në Deçan". Gazeta Shqip (in Albanian). 13 October 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  59. ↑ "Kosova pret kryeministrin Berisha". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 5 October 2009. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  60. ↑ "Berisha qytetar nderi i Dibrës". Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  61. ↑ "Presidenti Nishani dekoron zotin Sali Berisha me "Dekoratën e Flamurit Kombëtar"". Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
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