Sali Berisha held a meeting with representatives of the Albanian diaspora in the United States, where he focused on mass emigration, the economy and the influence of organized crime. In his remarks, the chairman of the Democratic Party presented a grim picture of the country, with direct accusations against the government and the way in which, according to him, dirty money has distorted the economy and institutions.
The meeting in the US and the alarm over Albanians leaving
During the meeting with the Albanian diaspora in the United States, Berisha said that more than 46% of Albanians have left the country over the past 10 years. He presented this as the strongest indicator of the demographic and social crisis that, according to him, Albania is going through.
At the center of his speech were depopulation, the weakening of the economy and the influence of organized crime, which he listed as the main problems facing the country.
Accusations over the impact of drugs on the economy and institutions
Berisha linked emigration to what he described as a “drug regime,” claiming that narcotics money has penetrated the economy and institutions.
He used harsh political language about the situation, saying that “this poisonous force is drugs,” in an effort to present the phenomenon not simply as a criminal problem, but as a factor with direct consequences for the country’s economic and public life.
Claims over the devaluation of the euro and the dollar
According to Berisha, the influx of dirty money has also affected the exchange rate in Albania. He said the euro has depreciated by 35% and the dollar by 32% over the past 10 years.
In his version, this development has hit exports, businesses and remittances, placing direct pressure on enterprises and families that rely on income from abroad.
Blow to businesses and the political message
Berisha claimed that the effects of this economic distortion have led to the bankruptcy of thousands of enterprises. He used this argument to reinforce his thesis that Albanians leaving is not only a social issue, but also a consequence of an economic model that, according to the opposition, is harming production and employment.
The statements made in the United States come at a time when emigration, the exchange rate and the influence of the informal economy remain prominent topics in public debate, with interpretations that are often divided along political lines.
The meeting with the diaspora was used by the Democratic leader to repeat his accusations about the country’s economic situation and depopulation, placing the emphasis on the consequences that, according to him, the influence of dirty money is producing in Albania.