Context:

Former Trump advisors, including Chris LaCivita and Paul Manafort, are campaigning in the Balkans to support right-wing Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha against the incumbent Socialist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama in Albania's upcoming elections. The advisors draw parallels between Berisha and Trump, citing perceived political persecution and government disregard for democracy. The elections are contentious, with Berisha facing sanctions from the Biden administration and accusations of corruption, while Rama's administration is criticized for alleged repression and corruption. George and Alex Soros' involvement in Balkan politics is highlighted as a destabilizing influence, with significant financial investments through the Open Society Foundations. Observers, including former Albanian Ambassador Agim Nesho, express concerns over the fairness of the elections, urging international scrutiny and support for democratic processes in Albania.

Dive Deeper:

• Former Trump advisors are actively involved in Albanian politics, backing Sali Berisha, the leader of the right-wing Democratic Party, in the face of challenges from the ruling Socialist Party led by Prime Minister Edi Rama.

• Chris LaCivita, a key Trump campaign advisor, has publicly likened Berisha's political struggles to those of Trump, emphasizing their shared experiences of alleged persecution by governments disregarding democratic principles.

• The upcoming Albanian elections are marred by accusations of corruption against Berisha, who is currently under sanctions from the Biden administration, complicating his campaign efforts.

• Significant attention is given to the role of George and Alex Soros in Albanian politics through the Open Society Foundations, which has invested heavily in the region and is accused of contributing to political instability.

• Critics of the current administration, including former Albanian Ambassador Agim Nesho, accuse Prime Minister Rama's government of suppressing dissent and manipulating state institutions to maintain power.

• The controversial nature of the upcoming elections has prompted calls for international oversight, with concerns raised about the potential for manipulation and the need for free and fair democratic processes.

• Despite polling favoring Rama's Socialist Party, the introduction of voting rights for Albanians living abroad and unreliable polling data leave open the possibility for Berisha to mount a successful challenge.