Apart from fighting corruption, SPAK reveals struggles with democracy in the Democratic Party

The United States and the European Union are key players in organizing the event celebrating the 5th anniversary of SPAK (Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime). They clearly praise SPAK’s work. Meanwhile, while Albanian politics has not fully embraced SPAK’s role in investigating corruption in Albania, it is beginning to adjust to it.

The Socialist Party, which has faced the most scrutiny from SPAK, is trying to create a culture of respecting justice and to separate political responsibility from personal legal responsibility. This strategy allows them to avoid direct conflict with SPAK.

The Democratic Party, however, faces a more significant challenge. Sali Berisha’s harsh criticism of SPAK has influenced the party, making his personal views reflect the official stance of the entire party. This is in stark contrast to the approach of the Socialist Party. Even former Socialist Party members who have been investigated and convicted by the courts may not be happy with SPAK, but they choose to fight their legal battles in court.

In the case of the Democratic Party, adopting Berisha’s personal stance on SPAK as its own makes the party not only appear deeply troubled but also worsens relations between Berisha and both the U.S. and the EU.

To understand the false narrative Berisha spreads about his non-grata status being lifted once Donald Trump assumes office, it’s helpful to look at his stance on SPAK. The U.S. will either support SPAK or defend Berisha. How can the U.S. praise SPAK as a successful institution while simultaneously backing Berisha, who calls it a criminal organization?

Moreover, when the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State visits Albania to celebrate SPAK’s anniversary, and Berisha calls SPAK a link to organized crime, it’s reasonable to expect new sanctions against him rather than any easing of pressure.

Meanwhile, other Democratic Party leaders who claim to support SPAK, not Berisha, must clarify their position publicly. This would not only benefit SPAK but also improve the image of the Democratic Party, showing it as a true political party rather than just Berisha’s personal fiefdom.

In this context, SPAK is more than just an institution uncovering corruption in Albania—it also sheds light on the state of democracy within the Democratic Party. It reveals that if there is a on organization that functions criminal organization led by one person, it is the Democratic Party.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "SPAK dhe si një radiografi e demokracisë në PD"