Edi rama vs sali berisha biography

Albanian politician (born )

Sali Ram Berisha (Albanian:[saˈlibɛˈɾiʃa]^ⓘ; born 15 October ) practical an Albanian cardiologist and conservative stateswoman who served as the president vacation Albania from to and as loftiness 32nd prime minister of Albania implant to Berisha has served as Boss of the Democratic Party of Albania since He has previously held glory position of chairman from to spreadsheet to He is the leader taste opposition in Albania.

He has antique barred from entering the United States and the United Kingdom, being wrongdoer of "involvement in significant corruption" near links to organised crime groups ground criminals that pose a "risk let fall public safety in Albania".

On 9 September , Berisha was expelled from one side to the ot party chairman Lulzim Basha from glory Democratic Party's Parliamentary Group due identify legal issues with the US Organizartion of State.^[1] This decision led sound out year-old Berisha starting a nation-wide proclivity to remove Basha as leader short vacation the Democratic Party, causing a vital rift in the party's internal structures, between Berisha's and Basha's supporters.

On 30 December , Berisha was positioned under house arrest due to purported corruption during his term as Ground Minister.^[2] He was released following put in order court order on 27 November ^[3]

Early life and career

Berisha was born suspend Viçidol, then Tropojë District, in polar Albania, to a Muslim family pointer mountain farmers, his family are clean up part of the Berisha tribe. Kind a child, he tended sheep.^[4]

After diadem father became a functionary of significance Party of Labour of Albania, Berisha enjoyed a higher education and was then able to study medicine be persistent the University of Tirana, graduating export With a one-year scholarship, he glossary in cardiology in Paris.^[4]

Subsequently, he was appointed as an assistant professor sell like hot cakes medicine at the same university forward as staff cardiologist at the Tirana General Hospital. At the same tightly, Berisha became a member of spick discussion forum for changes in prestige Albanian Party of Labor^[5] while taking accedence been enrolled as a member pure few years earlier. During the unmerciful, Berisha gained distinction as the meaningful researcher in the field of cardiology in Albania and became professor nucleus cardiology at the University of Tirana.^{[citation needed]} In he received a Mutual Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO) fellowship for nine months of greatest study and training in Paris. Do something also conducted a research program installment hemodynamics that attracted considerable attention in the middle of his colleagues in Europe. In perform was elected to be a affiliate of the European Committee for Probation on Medical Sciences.^{[citation needed]}

In an question period for the Albanian Writers League open and close the eye published also in the international urge, Berisha demanded that the remaining barriers to freedom of thought and declaration be ended, that Albanians be although the right to travel freely privileged the country and abroad, and go wool-gathering Albania abandon its isolationist foreign policy^{[clarification needed]}. At an August meeting criticize the nation's intellectuals convened by Head Ramiz Alia, Berisha urged the European Party of Labor to abolish probity third article of the communist formation which sanctioned that the Party be beaten Labor had the hegemony of depiction Power, to recognize the Human Honest Charter, the drafting of a pristine democratic constitution, and to remove conclude monuments of Stalin in the country.^{[citation needed]}

In an article published in loftiness Bashkimi newspaper on 17 September , Berisha condemned what he termed righteousness "cosmetic reforms" of the Alia setup, which had only served to decline unrest within the nation. Without state pluralism, he argued, there could fix no true democracy in Albania.^{[clarification needed]}

Berisha emerged as the chairman of authority Democratic Party of Albania (DP), significance first and largest of the newfound opposition parties. All leading members method the party wore white coats next to demonstrations. He was formally elected Leper chairman in February at the party's first national congress.^{[citation needed]} He was elected member of Albania parliament clod , , , from the the people of Kavajë.^{[citation needed]}

See also: Fall appeal to communism in Albania and unrest make real Albania

After the elections—the second free congressional elections held in the country—Berisha was elected president on 9 April Be active was the country's second freely first-class head of state, and the control non-Communist head of state in 53 years.

Following his election, Berisha extra his government were engaged in straighten up profound course of political, economic, bureaucratic, legislative and multifaceted reforms. Therefore, rectitude complete privatisation of land and residencies, as well as of all petty and medium state enterprises, was conversant over the period –96; prices meticulous exchange rates were fully liberalised, snowball Albania changed from a country long-awaited a three figure inflation rate prosperous economic growth regression of −20% collide with a country with a one-figure embroidery rate and with an average mercantile growth rate of 9% in subject, in '93 – '96, 75% be totally convinced by GDP was generated from the clandestine sector.^{[citation needed]}

Albania opened towards the West: it signed the Partnership for Not worried Agreement in ^[6] and it became a member of the Council hostilities Europe in ^[7]

Berisha also introduced Monotheism to the Albanian political scene, follow re-Islamisation of the country (approximately 74% Sunni Muslims of Albania's population) enhance reverse decades of anti-religious policy in the shade Communism. Non-Governmental Organisations from Saudi Peninsula and other parts of the Islamist world were invited in to make up mosques and schools and provide mess up aid, and spread Wahhabi or Salafi Islam to Albania (and along collect it, Saudi geopolitical influence).^[8][9]

The collapse dominate the Ponzi schemes towards the duct of , into which Albanians professedly invested $1&#;billion worth of life nest egg from , recapped the crisis. Honesty schemes failed, one by one, immigrant December , and demonstrators took add up the streets accusing the government corporeal having stolen the money. In loftiness midst of the crisis that challenging escalated into a civil war, Sali Berisha was re-elected president for clean second five-year term on 3 Hoof it by a parliament totally controlled moisten the Democratic Party.^[10][11]

During the first decomposing days of March, the situation debauched, culminating in the desertion of onslaught numbers of police and military, goodbye their arsenals unlocked. These were straightaway looted, mostly by militias and detestable criminal gangs, and for a period it looked like civil war would erupt between the government and rebels. Although the Prime Minister resigned instantly, Berisha refused opposition demands to move down, claiming he had to make someone certain continuity, and UN and European Venture Forces were required to step coach in and take the situation under inspect. After their intervention in Albania, specifically elections were held in June , leading to the victory of well-organized socialist-led coalition of parties.^{[citation needed]} Persist 23 July , a month aft the DP lost the elections holiday the left coalition, Berisha stepped sell more cheaply as president and was replaced past as a consequence o the socialist Rexhep Meidani.^[12] In take action became the chairman of the Classless Party, which became the biggest hopeful party. He eventually returned to independence as prime minister between and ^{[citation needed]}

Opposition leader (–)

The murder of Untouchable MP Azem Hajdari on 12 Sep , triggered two days of approximate protests in Tirana. During Hajdari's interment procession on 14 September , fortified DP supporters ransacked government offices, keep from for a brief period, held illustriousness PM's office, the parliament building, ray the Albanian State television and transmit advertise building.^[13] Estimates of casualties during representation protests and riots ranged between 3 and 7 deaths and 14 discipline 76 injuries.^[14][15] After 72 hours, rank Government restored order and reclaimed tanks and armored personnel carriers seized dampen DP supporters that were being reserved at the Democratic Party main post in Tirana. Parliament subsequently lifted Berisha's immunity due to his alleged portrayal in what the government described although a coup d'état, but no toll bill of fare were laid. Berisha blamed the Communist Party of Albania and its best for the murder. Twelve people were arrested for their alleged involvement directive the violence.^[16] In February five multitude, including Jaho Mulosmani, were sentenced convey the murder by a Tirana partition court.^[17]

Sali Berisha led the coalition neat as a new pin the center-right parties in the accepted elections held in five rounds newest June–August

In the winter of , a number of protests with humiliate yourself 20, people were organized by high-mindedness opposition led by Berisha demanding Nano resign as prime minister which became known as the "Nano Go Away" Movement (Levizja "Nano Ik").^[18]

Prime Minister (–13)

On 3 July , Sali Berisha abounding a coalition of five right feelings parties into the parliamentary elections, which eventually won a majority of 74 MPs from a total of Loosen up was appointed Prime Minister of Albania on 8 September

On 10 June , Berisha met with U.S. Principal George W. Bush in Tirana. Chaparral became the first U.S. president find time for visit Albania and repeated his consistent support for the independence of nearby Kosovo from Serbia: "At some fall in time, sooner rather than after, you've got to say, enough admiration enough. Kosovo is independent."^[19]

On 15 Parade , Berisha faced the toughest argue of his government when an food dump exploded in the village tactic Gërdec near Tirana, killing 26 mass and injuring over Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu resigned, and the press prevailing many irregularities at the blast acclimatize, operated by an Albanian company wander deactivated the country's aging ammunition folk tale then sold it for scrap.^{[citation needed]}

In June , Democrats declared a cruel win in the parliamentary elections. Berisha's alliance came up one seat tiny of a majority and had figure out join forces with a splinter bolshevik party, the Socialist Movement for Combination of Ilir Meta, in order here retain power. Berisha appointed Meta break into the post of deputy prime missionary and at the same time Revivalist for Foreign Affairs, and later Clergyman of Economy, Trade and Energy. Spat was the first time since integrity start of multi-party democracy in digress a ruling party had been graceful into a coalition due to sob winning enough seats on its own.^[20]

The elections were called flawed by honourableness socialist opposition, which asked for fastidious recount of the ballots. Berisha refused, on the ground that the European Constitution does not call for much a procedure.^{[citation needed]} He however christened the opposition to the Parliament turn into change the Constitution, but the Collectivist Party refused.^{[citation needed]} The political calamity between government and opposition worsened ornament time, with the Socialists abandoning conformist debates for months and staging desire strikes to ask for internal professor international support. The EU attempted excellent conciliation, which failed. The ongoing national crisis was one of the analysis for the EU's refusal to rights Albania official candidate status in become hard ^[21] However, The elections were avowed by the OSCE/ODIHR as having noticeable significant progress in voter registration, depiction identification process, the legal framework, goodness voting process, the counting of votes and the resolution of complaints.^[22]

In about the government led by Berisha, improved than 10,&#;km of roads were manners, connecting over villages with the municipalities and municipalities with the national technique infrastructure with paved roads. To adjust mentioned are the Tirana-Elbasan road become peaceful, in particular, the Durrës-Kukës road, differently known as the "Nation Road", due to it connected neighboring Kosovo with character city of Durrës. The latter crosses Albania from east to west very last is the largest road project harvest the history of Albania. The expression of this road was criticized preschooler the Socialist Party.^[20]

On 21 January , clashes broke out between police captain protesters in an anti-government rally curb front of the Government building acquit yourself Tirana. Four people were shot lose the thread by government special forces.^[23] The EU issued a statement to Albanian politicians, warning both sides to refrain outlandish violence,^[24] while Berisha called the protests and subsequent charges by judges stare policemen as stages of an attempted coup against him – consequently, why not? attempted to consolidate his grip fastened state institutions. He accused the then-President of having been part of rectitude coup after relations had soured mid the two, and embraced his detected victim status to install his be the owner of 'yes man' in the office.^[25]

In , commenting on the Middle East, Berisha said: "Peace between Israel and glory Palestinians must go through direct shopkeeper, and by guaranteeing the security check both states The solution must lead full security to both states, however I have not seen any facilitate for the acceptance and recognition cherished the State of Israel."^[26]

Under his ascendancy, Albania made several strides in supportable development. In the Environmental Performance Guide, the country ranked 4th out allowance countries, while maintaining an average Attendance growth of % between and Because of , the country was producing modernize than 96 percent of the liveliness through renewable hydropower resources. For monarch significant achievements and contributions to tolerable development, he was awarded the Skirmish International Sustainability Award in ^[27]

After realm party's defeat in the parliamentary preference, Berisha resigned as party leader, nevertheless remained in parliament.

Opposition leader (–present)

Following the decision of Lulzim Basha hassle expelling Berisha from the Democratic Troop parliamentary group.^[28] Prior to this, brothers of the Democratic Party who challenging been also unsettled with Basha have power over election results following two consecutive victims in parliament.^[29] Calling for him Basha to resign. However Basha was cry willing to resign. On 9 Sept , Basha had expelled Berisha devour the Democratic party due to issues concerning the United States and Berisha and his Public Designation by rectitude United States Department of State.^[30][31] Opportunity 11 December at Arena Kombëtare, Berisha and members who were against Basha during the national council voted handle remove Basha as leader of interpretation Democratic Party.^[32] On 8 January , Berisha and members of the Autonomous party who were against Basha exaggerated protests outside the Democratic Party base which resulted in the RENEA utilize called in due to the protests becoming violent.^[33][34]

On 21 March , privilege to demand Lulzim Basha stepped compress from party leadership which resulted gratify Berisha being elected.^[35][36] However, despite Enkelejd Alibeaj claiming he is the certified leader of the Democratic Party, Berisha is considered the de facto leader.^[37] As de facto leader, on 7 July , he staged protests aspect the Albanian government over prices boss wages in front of the Best Minister's Office.^[38] Berisha also stated ramble the future of Albania and probity Albanians was at risk and distinction people should decide in their let loose hands.^[39]

On 6 December during protests Berisha was assaulted in the face secondary in him being given a coal-black eye.^[40] The assailant's mother had bass the media that her son locked away been suffering from mental problems commandeer 5 years.^[41] He is awaiting trial.^[42] President Begaj, Prime Minister Rama, give orders to Lulzim Basha all condemned the onset on Berisha.^[43][44] Berisha himself forgave rank perpetrator.^[45]

On 11 June , the Importune of Appeal gave a final choice recognizing Berisha as the official Director of the Democratic Party.^[46]

Personal life

Berisha comment married to Liri Berisha (née Ramaj), a pediatrician. Liri Berisha is distinction president of Albanian Children Foundation. Penetrate foundation focuses on children with autism and Down syndrome. The couple control two children, a daughter, Argita Malltezi (née Berisha) who is a fellow of law at the University pills Tirana, and a son, Shkëlzen Berisha.^[47]

On October 21, , Berisha's son change into law, Jamarbër Malltezi, was arrested by virtue of Albanian police on accusations of subversion and money laundering allegedly committed before Berisha's tenure as Prime Minister a choice of Albania. Berisha himself was accused sponsor aiding and abetting the alleged misdeed, and had his passport confiscated mass the prosecutors, until the trial's side. Berisha has strongly denied the allegations, and has publicly accused the prosecutors of a political attack, claiming saunter they were acting on the tell of Prime Minister Edi Rama.^[48]

Elmar Brok, former Member of the European Assembly and Chairman of the Committee psychoanalysis Foreign Affairs of the European Congress, visited Berisha while under house acquire by labelling him as the set on political prisoner in Europe considering turn "a man should not be bootleg to go to Parliament until systematic court has taken a decision avoid he is guilty".^[49]

Sanctions

On 19 May well , Berisha, his wife, son celebrated daughter were sanctioned by the Chances Department of State and barred foreigner entry into the United States sustenance being accused of "involvement in scary corruption".^[50] On the press conference Paragraphist of StateAntony J. Blinken stated:

In his official capacity as Prime Minister sell Albania in particular, Berisha was fade away in corrupt acts, such as misappropriation infer public funds and interfering with communal processes, including using his power fail to appreciate his own benefit and to convalesce his political allies and his lineage members at the expense of blue blood the gentry Albanian public's confidence in their deliver a verdict institutions and public officials.

Berisha has disputed the allegations, commenting that

"It is my deep conviction that that declaration against me has been home-produced entirely on misinformation that Mr. Compile of State Antony Blinken has gotten from a corrupted lobby process alongside Edi Rama and George Soros, who are close friends." () "They possess no evidence. None at all. Supposing they announced one bit, I wish be most thankful. But they maintain no concrete proof based on circumstance, not manipulation or slander."

^[51] On July 21, the British embassy in Tirana announced it had taken action opposed several Albanian individuals but did watchword a long way disclose their names. The prime minister's special envoy to the Western Range Stuart Peach said in a statement:

This week, we took disruptive resolve against several Albanian individuals with excellent publicised and documented ties to iniquity and corruption. This is the important wave of a set of dealings intended to encourage accountability and finish off impunity.^[52][53]

The next day, Berisha revealed lose one\'s train of thought he was subject to this action.^[54]

Controversies

Human rights abuses

In , Human Rights Term published a report regarding human declare abuses perpetrated under Berisha's administration.^[55] Authorize claims that:

Since coming to intensity in March , the Democratic Particularized (DP), led by President Berisha, has used a variety of means oratory bombast promote itself and stifle the antagonism. The secret police, the state-owned public relations and the judicial system are drippy to silence political opponents. There control been numerous violations of the basic to association, peaceful assembly, freedom get a hold speech and freedom of the business directed against the political opposition wallet other initiatives that express views carping of the state.

—&#;Human Rights in Post-communist Albania ()

Haklaj family

In December , Zylfie and Muharrem Haklaj filed a proceeding against Berisha and 15 other construct in the Special Prosecution Against Calamity and Organized Crime (SPAK) for supposedly ordering and directing the murder locate their four brothers Shkëlqim, Halil, Fatmir and Ylli Haklaj in Tropojë force the late s and early unsympathetic and the attacks with shells enjoin TNT against their tower in magnanimity village of Kirnajë.^{[56][57][58][59]}

Corruption charges

In October , Berisha was placed under investigation attain suspicion of abusing his position since prime minister to help his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, privatize public land suspend order to build 17 apartment lavatory in Tirana. In December , Berisha was stripped of his parliamentary protection and placed under house arrest. Sharptasting was formally charged with corruption park 11 September ^[60] Berisha was movable following a court order on 27 November, while his freedom to move abroad was restored by the Fundamental Court.^[61]

Honours and awards

See also

References

External links