Berisha's Legacy: Anti-Rallies and a culture of violence

In Albania’s political history, Sali Berisha is best known for his obsession with anti-rallies—targeting his opponents’ events to disrupt or intimidate them. His approach has always aimed at undermining adversaries, driven by a crude belief that violence and humiliation are effective tools in politics. This pattern of behavior has been evident both during his time in power and in opposition.

When in power, Berisha doesn’t bother with anti-rallies; he resorts to outright physical violence. Many of his political rivals, journalists, and even members of his own Democratic Party have been victims of this aggression. The list is long: assaults on individuals, the burning of newspaper offices, and other acts of intimidation. Such actions define his time in office. For Berisha, violence isn’t just a tool; it’s his idea of dominance. According to his twisted logic, physically beating an opponent is meant to humiliate them into submission. Yet, his rivals have repeatedly stood up to him—and have even defeated him decisively in elections.

Out of power, however, Berisha relies on others to carry out his disruptions. He recruits loyalists willing to do his bidding and disrupt his opponents’ rallies. He stands alone as the only Albanian politician who actively organizes anti-rallies to interfere with his adversaries’ events, believing this to be a form of humiliation.

His rhetoric today reflects his desperation. Berisha often brags about past violence as a badge of honor, while his followers openly threaten to unleash chaos if they regain power. Even the rallies he organizes are fueled by this culture of violence. His supporters have attacked the Socialist Party headquarters, burned tires outside Tirana City Hall, and threatened their opponents with further aggression.

Now, as Prime Minister Edi Rama begins his outreach to the Albanian diaspora, Berisha—aware of his dwindling support—has resorted to sending small groups of troublemakers to disrupt these meetings. These thuggish antics are a desperate attempt to create chaos and attract attention.

Notably, no political party in Albania has ever stooped to organizing anti-rallies against Berisha or his Democratic Party. This isn’t because they are incapable or afraid. Instead, they see Berisha’s behavior as primitive and choose to rise above it, tolerating his provocations without sinking to his level. Unfortunately, Berisha interprets this tolerance as weakness, emboldening him further.

This toxic culture was on display recently in London, where PM Rama met with the Albanian diaspora. Berisha, banned from entering the UK due to his corrupt legacy, orchestrated a small protest there as an act of defiance. Yet, instead of harming his opponents, these stunts only deepen the troubles of his hired agitators, many of whom are already entangled in legal issues in the UK.

Berisha’s enthusiasm for sharing violent images and confrontations on social media reveals the core of his politics: violence and hatred. These instincts, basic and animalistic, are rejected by civilized societies. Yet, Berisha continues to present them as the path forward for Albanians, even as the world increasingly isolates him. 

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "'Antimitngu' dhe 'rrahja', identiteti primitiv i Sali Berishës"