How Albanian politicians are helping SPAK by weaponizing lies

Ilir Meta and Sali Berisha mimic each other whenever they appear before SPAK (Albania’s Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime) prosecutors regarding corruption charges. Both claim they are there to make accusations against SPAK, rather than defend themselves, while launching attacks on their political opponents and attempting to dictate SPAK's priorities.

In reality, mudslinging—a political tactic pioneered by Berisha, who has made it his personal trademark—has become the primary weapon used by Meta, Berisha, and other Albanian politicians, including those in government, in their dealings with SPAK.

Baseless accusations and fabricated “facts” aimed at discrediting opponents have created a widespread perception that all politicians are corrupt. This narrative, fueled by the politicians themselves, has eroded public trust and simplified SPAK’s work. With the public already predisposed to believe all politicians are thieves, SPAK can target any figure, label them as corrupt, and gain public support with little effort.

This environment is the greatest advantage Albanian politicians have inadvertently handed to SPAK. Contrary to the popular belief that SPAK’s 90% approval rating reflects its effectiveness, the support stems less from tangible results and more from the perception—shaped by the constant accusations among politicians—that corruption is universal in Albanian politics. To date, no prominent cases brought by SPAK have resulted in finalized trials or convictions, yet the public opinion remains overwhelmingly in its favor.

It’s easy to see why. Just recall what Berisha has said about Meta when they were rivals—enough to justify Meta’s arrest without a second thought. Likewise, Meta’s remarks about Berisha make it hard to pity Berisha’s legal troubles. Berisha’s accusations against Edi Rama alone could make a case for a century-long prison sentence.

Now, Berisha and Meta’s attempts to steer SPAK’s actions seem futile. By providing SPAK with ammunition through their endless mudslinging, they have effectively made it impossible for SPAK not to find evidence against them. Ironically, their lies have fueled public support for the very institution they now seek to undermine.

Take Belind Këlliçi, a young politician who imitates Berisha’s tactics. In a televised debate, he shocked a journalist by claiming that Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, was planning to flee to Switzerland to avoid justice. Later, he alleged that Veliaj had been barred from entering the U.S., despite Berisha himself claiming he would involve the FBI to send Veliaj back to Albania.

The issue isn’t just that Këlliçi is making baseless claims—it’s that this style of politics often backfires. SPAK has already interviewed him alongside Veliaj to maintain political balance. Këlliçi is now under investigation for allegedly falsifying his high school diploma and inconsistencies in his asset declarations—a process often rushed and poorly regulated.

Mudslinging, however, has done its damage. Këlliçi may end up paying a steep price for his inflammatory rhetoric. In a country where underreporting income is a survival strategy, SPAK’s scrutiny of his finances could easily ensnare him. Sadly, this pattern is repeated in almost all legal proceedings against high-profile figures in Albania.

SPAK, however, is not to blame. Its public support stems largely from the toxic political climate politicians have created through their relentless accusations. By weaponizing lies to attack one another, they’ve instilled an unshakable belief that all Albanian politicians are corrupt.

Ultimately, the saying holds true: live by the sword, die by the sword. This is precisely what is happening in Albania’s political arena.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "Si politikanët shqiptarë po ia lehtësojnë punën SPAK me gënjeshtrat e tyre"