A legacy in ruins: Corruption replaces heroism in the Democratic Party

During the event marking the 34th anniversary of what remains of the original Democratic Party (DP), the evening unfolded differently than usual. It did not begin with reflections on the party’s history, the December 1990 movement, or the commemoration of those who played a role in overthrowing communism in Albania. For many years, whether in power or in opposition, this annual event was a reminder that the DP and its figures were instrumental in dismantling the communist dictatorship and connecting Albania with the West.

This year, however, the evening focused on very different "heroes." Two individuals were prominently featured: both are currently in jail, one for making false accusations and the other for corruption, convicted by Albanian courts. The first is Sali Berisha’s son-in-law, jailed for a classic case of state capture. He privatized a sports complex through a process rigged in his favor, with the Berisha administration actively assisting him.

In a hall that should have reflected the solemnity of the DP’s founding, the carefully selected attendees—chosen for their loyalty to Berisha—listened as Jamarbër Malltezi, Berisha’s son-in-law, urged Democratic Party supporters to help "save" him from prison.

The Democratic Party’s legacy has essentially shifted from being an anti-communist force to a party dominated by individuals embroiled in corruption and legal scandals. By the end of the event, the mood was subdued, reflecting the weight of this transformation.

A similar appeal came from Ervin Salianji, a former Democrat MP who has been convicted in two separate court cases. Salianji, presenting himself as another "hero," claimed he was unfairly jailed by Edi Rama’s regime and called on attendees for support.

The problem isn’t just Salianji’s imprisonment, as some argue he might have avoided arrest under different circumstances. The deeper issue is the DP’s transformation. Once a party led by anti-communist figures who fought for Albania’s future, it is now beholden to individuals sanctioned by the U.S. Department of State and convicted of ordinary crimes. Even worse, the party has been forced to rally around Berisha’s son-in-law, who faces corruption allegations, and Berisha himself, whose international sanctions for corruption cast a shadow over the DP’s reputation.

The heroes who built the DP as a force against totalitarianism are being replaced by figures embroiled in scandal. Instead of honoring the anti-communist pioneers Berisha politically eliminated, the party now bows to individuals who serve his personal interests and erode its original values.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: Nga përulja para themeluesve të PD, tek përgjunjia para “Rithemeluesve” të Berishës