Trump associates intensify Balkan influence as MAGA ideology expands into Europe
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A posse of former advisors for ex-U.S. President Donald Trump are busy hatching a new campaign in the Balkans, aiming to tilt the scales for right-wing Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha as he takes on Socalist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama in Sunday's parliamentary elections.
The team, which includes Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita, former campaign manager Paul Manafort, and strategist and pollster Tony Fabrizio, is backing Berisha. LaCivita has drawn parallels between Trump and Berisha, stating they've both been "unfairly prosecuted and persecuted by a government that disregards Democracy."
When Syri TV's Cim Peka questioned the significance of the Albanian election for the world, LaCivita pointed out that the Soros family is quite active in global politics, not just regular politics, but "destabilizing politics." He claims they find a perfect home in Albania with PM Edi Rama.
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Chris LaCivita, who previously co-managed Donald Trump's successful 2024 presidential campaign, is now consulting for Berisha's campaign in the May 11 parliamentary election. (AP Photo)
The Socialist Rama is aiming for a fourth consecutive term as prime minister, promising to pull Albania into the European Union while the country grapples with ongoing issues of corruption.
LaCivita considers exposing Soros's involvement crucial, as it impacts Albania's future. He explains that the election is about the Albanian people, who desire to work, live, and raise a family without being obstructed by those trying to create an atmosphere that makes that difficult.
The Open Society Foundations, owned by George and Alex Soros, has invested over $131 million in Albania in the past 18 years. Representatives from the Soros' Open Society had not returned requests by press time.
When our website Digital spoke with Berisha in April about the obstacles he faced in the May 11 elections, he cited sanctions imposed by the Biden administration in 2021, which prevent him from meeting with Albanian Americans who are vital to the election process.
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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama leads a rally in support of his Socialist Party on May 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Vlasov Sulaj)
As of now, there seems to be no movement on lifting sanctions against Berisha. The State Department did not respond to our website Digital's questions about whether it would consider easing sanctions or whether the current sanctions negatively affect free and fair elections in Albania. A spokesperson reported that "the Department has nothing to report on this designation at this time."
Berisha faces other hurdles too, like having his legal immunity revoked in December 2023 and being held under house arrest until November 2024. Berisha contends that the charges against him are the result of "lawfare" orchestrated by Rama and Soros.
Berisha is not the only opposition candidate facing charges in the lead-up to elections. Former Albanian president Ilir Meta was also arrested on corruption allegations in October 2024.
Former Albanian Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations Agim Nesho told our website Digital that the May 11 elections are unfolding under immense pressure from the ruling Socialist Party, which has held power for over 12 years. Nesho considers the elections to be a test for democracy and the rule of law.
Nesho alleges that the Albanian people are being deprived of basic democratic rights, being unable to organize, vote, or oppose the government without fear. Critics argue that this system of repression is backed - either tacitly or directly - by elements of the Biden administration and global actors like Alex Soros, who have attempted to undermine the opposition and prevent fair elections, much like the political persecution witnessed in the U.S. against former President Donald Trump.
The election could mark a turning point as a genuine grassroots movement rises to challenge state corruption and restore Albania's path to freedom, development, and democratic self-determination. Nesho calls on the Trump administration to closely monitor these elections and send a strong message to Tirana: America is watching.
Our website Digital will continue to report on these significant political developments in the Balkans as election day nears. Stay informed and engaged in the world's latest news by downloading our mobile app!
Beth Bailey is a journalist covering Afghanistan, the Middle East, Asia, and Central America. She was previously a civilian intelligence analyst with the Department of the Army. You can follow Beth on Twitter @BWBailey85.
[1] george-soros[2] alex-soros[5] berisha-trump
- The former advisors of ex-U.S. President Donald Trump are involved in a new political campaign in Albania, aiming to support Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha against the incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama.
- Chris LaCivita, a key player in Donald Trump's successful 2024 presidential campaign, is now consulting for Berisha's campaign ahead of the May 11 parliamentary elections.
- LaCivita has drawn parallels between Trump and Berisha, stating they've both been unfairly prosecuted and persecuted by their respective governments that disregard democracy.
- LaCivita claims that global politics, specifically the Soros family, are a significant factor in Albanian politics, with PM Edi Rama's supporters being backed by the Soros family.
- Over $131 million has been invested by the Open Society Foundations, owned by George and Alex Soros, in Albania in the past 18 years.
- Berisha faces hurdles like ongoing sanctions, the revoking of his legal immunity, and house arrest, which he alleges are the result of "lawfare" orchestrated by Rama and Soros.
- The election could mark a turning point as a grassroots movement rises to challenge state corruption and restore Albania's path to freedom, development, and democratic self-determination.
- The May 11 elections are unfolding under immense pressure from the ruling Socialist Party, with critics arguing that this system of repression is backed - either tacitly or directly - by elements of the Biden administration and global actors like Alex Soros.
