In a strategic move ahead of Albania's parliamentary elections on May 11, 2025, opposition leader Sali Berisha has enlisted prominent U.S. political consultants to bolster his campaign against incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama. The team includes Chris LaCivita, Tony Fabrizio, and Paul Manafort, all of whom have played significant roles in former U.S. President Donald Trump's campaigns.

Berisha, a former prime minister and current leader of the Democratic Party, has adopted a campaign style reminiscent of Trump's, with slogans like "Make Albania Grandiose." This approach aims to resonate with voters seeking change and aligns with broader global trends of populist movements.

The Democratic Party has contracted U.S. political consulting firm Continental Strategy at a rate of $250,000 per month, engaging LaCivita and his team to craft campaign strategies. These efforts are designed to enhance Berisha's domestic image and strengthen ties with U.S. conservative circles.

Chris LaCivita is known for his role in the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" campaign during the 2004 U.S. presidential election and as a senior adviser in Trump's 2024 campaign. Tony Fabrizio served as chief pollster for Trump's 2016 and 2024 campaigns and has experience in international political consulting. Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chairman in 2016, has a history of advising foreign leaders, including former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Berisha's collaboration with these consultants has sparked controversy, including an internal Albanian investigation into foreign involvement and funding transparency. Berisha has faced corruption charges and sanctions from the U.S. and U.K. for past misconduct, which he deems politically motivated.

The upcoming elections are set against a backdrop of political tension. Prime Minister Rama is seeking a fourth term amid heightened concerns over corruption and Albania's European Union membership ambitions. A prominent case involves failed incinerator projects, where contracts worth hundreds of millions of euros are under criminal investigation for fraud and corruption, implicating high-ranking officials, including a jailed former environment minister. While polls show Rama with a clear lead, analysts believe the corruption cases could reduce his party's parliamentary majority and hinder EU accession.

Berisha's campaign strategy includes strengthening ties with U.S. conservative circles, potentially influencing Albania's foreign policy direction. Meanwhile, Rama's government has pursued business ties with Trump allies, such as a $1.6 billion resort deal involving Jared Kushner. These developments highlight the complex interplay between domestic politics and international relations, as well as the strategic importance of Albania in the broader geopolitical landscape.

The involvement of foreign political consultants in national elections is not unprecedented. For instance, Paul Manafort's previous work with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych illustrates how international expertise is sought to influence electoral outcomes. However, such engagements often lead to debates about the appropriateness and impact of foreign influence on democratic processes.

The collaboration between Berisha and American consultants could reshape Albania's political landscape by introducing new campaign strategies and narratives. It may also affect Albania's efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and align with Western political practices. The outcome of the upcoming elections will be pivotal in determining the country's trajectory and its relations with international partners.

As Albania approaches its parliamentary elections, the engagement of U.S. political consultants underscores the globalization of political campaign strategies and raises questions about the implications of foreign consultancy in domestic political processes.