Mastermind or victim? Berisha's conflicting stance on SPAK

Three days after Sali Berisha launched an attack against a SPAK prosecutor—accusing him of "serving the interests of crime," a claim Berisha later retracted—the same prosecutor initiated an inspection involving Ajola Xoxa, the wife of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, and the mayor’s brother, Arber Veliaj, who is currently abroad.

SPAK operates independently, and I do not believe it functions under a political agenda dictated by Berisha’s public attacks, which often aim to discredit the institution. However, Berisha insists otherwise. Today, he claimed that the inspection was a result of political pressure from Belind Këlliçi and the Democratic Party’s weekly protests outside Tirana City Hall.

Erion Veliaj has been under investigation for two years, with probes into his alleged role in scandals such as the Tirana waste incinerator, construction permits, and corruption within City Hall. However, there has been no criminal case against him to date—only an investigation into his family’s assets. It is essential to respect and support SPAK’s work, allowing its investigators and prosecutors to proceed free from political interference or judgment.

In Veliaj’s case, however, there’s an obvious eagerness from political actors—not just the opposition—to celebrate his investigation. Berisha’s claim today, that SPAK’s action resulted from his party’s protests, underscores how some are attempting to politicize this investigation. This narrative seems aimed at diverting attention from ongoing corruption investigations involving Berisha himself, his son, and Ilir Meta.

Portraying SPAK as an institution driven by a political agenda—arresting or investigating individuals to maintain a perceived balance between political factions—is one of the most damaging attacks on its credibility. If Berisha and his supporters genuinely want the Mayor investigated, they should allow SPAK to carry out its work independently. Attempts to tie the investigation to political agendas, or worse, to claim it is a result of protest pressure, only serve to bolster Veliaj’s position—even if he is ultimately found guilty.

For Veliaj, as with any politician, a politically motivated investigation can enhance their public image. Politicians may face genuine challenges when justice operates impartially and independently, free from political agendas and pressures. However, if allegations originate from Berisha’s protests and are then echoed by SPAK, it politicizes the investigation and undermines the pursuit of justice.

Until recently, he accused SPAK of operating under Prime Minister Edi Rama’s orders. Now, ironically, he suggests that SPAK is acting under pressure from him and his Democratic Party. This glaring contradiction requires resolution, especially considering the ongoing investigations involving Berisha and his son.

Regarding political balance, punishing Berisha and his children for significant corruption—highlighted in the State Department’s justification for their non-grata designation—holds as much symbolic weight as prosecuting government officials. This comparison isn't just about the quantity of corruption but also its nature.

Under Berisha’s leadership, corruption was centralized within his family, with his son and daughter monopolizing state resources under his approval. In contrast, Socialist governance has “democratized” corruption, resulting in more officials facing justice. Yet, even combined, their misdeeds fall short of the scale of what Berisha’s children are accused of taking.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "Përpjekja e Berishës për t’u dukur edhe 'komandant', edhe viktimë e SPAK"