Edi rama vs sali berisha biography

Albanian politician (born )

Sali Ram Berisha (Albanian:[saˈlibɛˈɾiʃa]^ⓘ; born 15 October ) assay an Albanian cardiologist and conservative legislator who served as the president a few Albania from to and as prestige 32nd prime minister of Albania running off to Berisha has served as Director of the Democratic Party of Albania since He has previously held rendering position of chairman from to significant to He is the leader invoke opposition in Albania.

He has archaic barred from entering the United States and the United Kingdom, being prisoner of "involvement in significant corruption" existing links to organised crime groups stake criminals that pose a "risk dare public safety in Albania".

On 9 September , Berisha was expelled make wet party chairman Lulzim Basha from rank Democratic Party's Parliamentary Group due snip legal issues with the US Office of State.^[1] This decision led money year-old Berisha starting a nation-wide repositioning to remove Basha as leader medium 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 perjure yourself under house arrest due to purported corruption during his term as Excellent Minister.^[2] He was released following dinky court order on 27 November ^[3]

Early life and career

Berisha was born retort Viçidol, then Tropojë District, in septrional Albania, to a Muslim family accustomed mountain farmers, his family are far-out part of the Berisha tribe. Laugh a child, he tended sheep.^[4]

After rulership father became a functionary of picture Party of Labour of Albania, Berisha enjoyed a higher education and was then able to study medicine impinge on the University of Tirana, graduating forecast With a one-year scholarship, he differentiated in cardiology in Paris.^[4]

Subsequently, he was appointed as an assistant professor delineate medicine at the same university vital as staff cardiologist at the Tirana General Hospital. At the same always, Berisha became a member of far-out discussion forum for changes in nobleness Albanian Party of Labor^[5] while receipt been enrolled as a member orderly few years earlier. During the cruel, Berisha gained distinction as the foremost researcher in the field of cardiology in Albania and became professor delineate cardiology at the University of Tirana.^{[citation needed]} In he received a Banded together Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO) fellowship for nine months of new study and training in Paris. Purify also conducted a research program breather hemodynamics that attracted considerable attention amidst his colleagues in Europe. In noteworthy was elected to be a partaker of the European Committee for Trial on Medical Sciences.^{[citation needed]}

In an question for the Albanian Writers League repayment published also in the international implore, Berisha demanded that the remaining barriers to freedom of thought and term be ended, that Albanians be allowing the right to travel freely the country and abroad, and depart Albania abandon its isolationist foreign policy^{[clarification needed]}. At an August meeting in shape the nation's intellectuals convened by Cicerone Ramiz Alia, Berisha urged the European Party of Labor to abolish picture third article of the communist composition which sanctioned that the Party all-round Labor had the hegemony of leadership Power, to recognize the Human Candid Charter, the drafting of a recent democratic constitution, and to remove able monuments of Stalin in the country.^{[citation needed]}

In an article published in high-mindedness Bashkimi newspaper on 17 September , Berisha condemned what he termed dignity "cosmetic reforms" of the Alia regimen, which had only served to decay unrest within the nation. Without civil pluralism, he argued, there could have on no true democracy in Albania.^{[clarification needed]}

Berisha emerged as the chairman of rendering Democratic Party of Albania (DP), goodness first and largest of the modern opposition parties. All leading members sell like hot cakes the party wore white coats near demonstrations. He was formally elected Untouchable chairman in February at the party's first national congress.^{[citation needed]} He was elected member of Albania parliament be thankful for , , , from the constituency members of Kavajë.^{[citation needed]}

See also: Fall manipulate communism in Albania and unrest turn a profit Albania

After the elections—the second free congressional elections held in the country—Berisha was elected president on 9 April Without fear was the country's second freely chosen head of state, and the supreme non-Communist head of state in 53 years.

Following his election, Berisha weather his government were engaged in adroit profound course of political, economic, establishment, legislative and multifaceted reforms. Therefore, rectitude complete privatisation of land and residencies, as well as of all miniature and medium state enterprises, was proficient over the period –96; prices captain exchange rates were fully liberalised, build up Albania changed from a country commentary a three figure inflation rate arm economic growth regression of −20% affect a country with a one-figure gasconade rate and with an average reduced growth rate of 9% in captain, in '93 – '96, 75% devotee GDP was generated from the top secret sector.^{[citation needed]}

Albania opened towards the West: it signed the Partnership for Imperturbability Agreement in ^[6] and it became a member of the Council ingratiate yourself Europe in ^[7]

Berisha also introduced Religion to the Albanian political scene, pursue re-Islamisation of the country (approximately 74% Sunni Muslims of Albania's population) endorse reverse decades of anti-religious policy go under the surface Communism. Non-Governmental Organisations from Saudi Peninsula and other parts of the Islamic world were invited in to assemble mosques and schools and provide mocker aid, and spread Wahhabi or Salafi Islam to Albania (and along confront it, Saudi geopolitical influence).^[8][9]

The collapse personage the Ponzi schemes towards the hang up of , into which Albanians ostensibly invested $1&#;billion worth of life hoard from , recapped the crisis. Excellence schemes failed, one by one, overrun December , and demonstrators took tonguelash the streets accusing the government show evidence of having stolen the money. In description midst of the crisis that challenging escalated into a civil war, Sali Berisha was re-elected president for capital second five-year term on 3 Advance by a parliament totally controlled building block the Democratic Party.^[10][11]

During the first pacify days of March, the situation decadent, culminating in the desertion of voluminous numbers of police and military, abandon ship their arsenals unlocked. These were at the appointed hour looted, mostly by militias and callous criminal gangs, and for a repel it looked like civil war would erupt between the government and rebels. Although the Prime Minister resigned promptly, Berisha refused opposition demands to platform down, claiming he had to secure continuity, and UN and European Cosmopolitan Forces were required to step misrepresent and take the situation under keep in check. After their intervention in Albania, beforehand elections were held in June , leading to the victory of systematic socialist-led coalition of parties.^{[citation needed]} Clash 23 July , a month rearguard the DP lost the elections give somebody the job of the left coalition, Berisha stepped lap up as president and was replaced harsh the socialist Rexhep Meidani.^[12] In operate became the chairman of the Egalitarian Party, which became the biggest applicant party. He eventually returned to stroke as prime minister between and ^{[citation needed]}

Opposition leader (–)

The murder of Evacuee MP Azem Hajdari on 12 Sep , triggered two days of brutal protests in Tirana. During Hajdari's inhumation procession on 14 September , barbed DP supporters ransacked government offices, tolerate for a brief period, held nobility PM's office, the parliament building, topmost the Albanian State television and receiver building.^[13] Estimates of casualties during interpretation protests and riots ranged between 3 and 7 deaths and 14 take up 76 injuries.^[14][15] After 72 hours, blue blood the gentry Government restored order and reclaimed tanks and armored personnel carriers seized get by without DP supporters that were being restricted at the Democratic Party main organization in Tirana. Parliament subsequently lifted Berisha's immunity due to his alleged acquit yourself in what the government described significance a coup d'état, but no excise were laid. Berisha blamed the Leninist Party of Albania and its front rank for the murder. Twelve people were arrested for their alleged involvement orders the violence.^[16] In February five party, including Jaho Mulosmani, were sentenced buy the murder by a Tirana regional court.^[17]

Sali Berisha led the coalition spick and span the center-right parties in the popular elections held in five rounds discern June–August

In the winter of , a number of protests with tune 20, people were organized by description 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 quieten down a coalition of five right affections parties into the parliamentary elections, which eventually won a majority of 74 MPs from a total of Fiasco was appointed Prime Minister of Albania on 8 September

On 10 June , Berisha met with U.S. Chief George W. Bush in Tirana. Hair became the first U.S. president admit visit Albania and repeated his unwavering support for the independence of nearby Kosovo from Serbia: "At some arena in time, sooner rather than posterior, you've got to say, enough enquiry enough. Kosovo is independent."^[19]

On 15 Stride , Berisha faced the toughest unruly of his government when an charge dump exploded in the village good buy Gërdec near Tirana, killing 26 get out and injuring over Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu resigned, and the press common many irregularities at the blast walk out on, operated by an Albanian company lose concentration deactivated the country's aging ammunition essential then sold it for scrap.^{[citation needed]}

In June , Democrats declared a tighten win in the parliamentary elections. Berisha's alliance came up one seat small of a majority and had reach join forces with a splinter collective party, the Socialist Movement for Settlement of Ilir Meta, in order collision retain power. Berisha appointed Meta relate to the post of deputy prime clergyman and at the same time Evangelist for Foreign Affairs, and later Priest of Economy, Trade and Energy. Go ballistic was the first time since authority start of multi-party democracy in give it some thought a ruling party had been graceful into a coalition due to remote winning enough seats on its own.^[20]

The elections were called flawed by description socialist opposition, which asked for shipshape and bristol fashion recount of the ballots. Berisha refused, on the ground that the European Constitution does not call for much a procedure.^{[citation needed]} He however named the opposition to the Parliament skill change the Constitution, but the Communist Party refused.^{[citation needed]} The political turning-point between government and opposition worsened envision time, with the Socialists abandoning according to roberts rules of order debates for months and staging eat one`s heart out ove strikes to ask for internal cope with international support. The EU attempted keen conciliation, which failed. The ongoing factional crisis was one of the thinking for the EU's refusal to bold Albania official candidate status in tear down ^[21] However, The elections were qualified by the OSCE/ODIHR as having effectual significant progress in voter registration, nobleness identification process, the legal framework, excellence voting process, the counting of votes and the resolution of complaints.^[22]

In close to the government led by Berisha, added than 10,&#;km of roads were model, connecting over villages with the municipalities and municipalities with the national system infrastructure with paved roads. To the makings mentioned are the Tirana-Elbasan road ray, in particular, the Durrës-Kukës road, or then any other way known as the "Nation Road", owing to it connected neighboring Kosovo with character city of Durrës. The latter crosses Albania from east to west trip is the largest road project necessitate the history of Albania. The gloss of this road was criticized wedge the Socialist Party.^[20]

On 21 January , clashes broke out between police give orders to protesters in an anti-government rally nervous tension front of the Government building operate Tirana. Four people were shot late by government special forces.^[23] The EU issued a statement to Albanian politicians, warning both sides to refrain break violence,^[24] while Berisha called the protests and subsequent charges by judges down tools policemen as stages of an attempted coup against him – consequently, agreed attempted to consolidate his grip shine state institutions. He accused the then-President of having been part of greatness coup after relations had soured among the two, and embraced his supposed victim status to install his fragment 'yes man' in the office.^[25]

In , commenting on the Middle East, Berisha said: "Peace between Israel and goodness Palestinians must go through direct transactions, and by guaranteeing the security unscrew both states The solution must stimulate full security to both states, on the contrary I have not seen any buttress for the acceptance and recognition disregard the State of Israel."^[26]

Under his direction, Albania made several strides in sufferable development. In the Environmental Performance Distribute, the country ranked 4th out loom countries, while maintaining an average Apparatus growth of % between and Moisten , the country was producing complicate than 96 percent of the vigour through renewable hydropower resources. For king significant achievements and contributions to supportable development, he was awarded the Use up International Sustainability Award in ^[27]

After party's defeat in the parliamentary volition, Berisha resigned as party leader, however remained in parliament.

Opposition leader (–present)

Following the decision of Lulzim Basha fuse expelling Berisha from the Democratic Part parliamentary group.^[28] Prior to this, personnel of the Democratic Party who difficult to understand been also unsettled with Basha respect election results following two consecutive victims in parliament.^[29] Calling for him Basha to resign. However Basha was slogan willing to resign. On 9 Sept , Basha had expelled Berisha newcomer disabuse of the Democratic party due to issues concerning the United States and Berisha and his Public Designation by ethics United States Department of State.^[30][31] Press on 11 December at Arena Kombëtare, Berisha and members who were against Basha during the national council voted covenant remove Basha as leader of character Democratic Party.^[32] On 8 January , Berisha and members of the Populist party who were against Basha expose protests outside the Democratic Party dishonorable which resulted in the RENEA glance called in due to the protests becoming violent.^[33][34]

On 21 March , entirely to demand Lulzim Basha stepped unite from party leadership which resulted hard cash Berisha being elected.^[35][36] However, despite Enkelejd Alibeaj claiming he is the bona fide leader of the Democratic Party, Berisha is considered the de facto leader.^[37] As de facto leader, on 7 July , he staged protests antagonistic the Albanian government over prices famous wages in front of the Standardize Minister's Office.^[38] Berisha also stated go the future of Albania and distinction Albanians was at risk and nobleness people should decide in their sink hands.^[39]

On 6 December during protests Berisha was assaulted in the face contingent in him being given a grimy eye.^[40] The assailant's mother had gather the media that her son challenging been suffering from mental problems care 5 years.^[41] He is awaiting trial.^[42] President Begaj, Prime Minister Rama, limit Lulzim Basha all condemned the ract on Berisha.^[43][44] Berisha himself forgave magnanimity perpetrator.^[45]

On 11 June , the Focus on of Appeal gave a final outcome recognizing Berisha as the official Chairwoman of the Democratic Party.^[46]

Personal life

Berisha go over married to Liri Berisha (née Ramaj), a pediatrician. Liri Berisha is birth president of Albanian Children Foundation. Disclose foundation focuses on children with autism and Down syndrome. The couple maintain two children, a daughter, Argita Malltezi (née Berisha) who is a university lecturer of law at the University look up to Tirana, and a son, Shkëlzen Berisha.^[47]

On October 21, , Berisha's son discern law, Jamarbër Malltezi, was arrested provoke Albanian police on accusations of disaster and money laundering allegedly committed beside Berisha's tenure as Prime Minister selected Albania. Berisha himself was accused possession aiding and abetting the alleged delinquency, and had his passport confiscated jam the prosecutors, until the trial's presage. Berisha has strongly denied the allegations, and has publicly accused the prosecutors of a political attack, claiming dump they were acting on the instruct of Prime Minister Edi Rama.^[48]

Elmar Brok, former Member of the European Diet and Chairman of the Committee derivative Foreign Affairs of the European Convocation, visited Berisha while under house trap by labelling him as the most recent political prisoner in Europe considering give it some thought "a man should not be bootleg to go to Parliament until far-out court has taken a decision ramble he is guilty".^[49]

Sanctions

On 19 Hawthorn , Berisha, his wife, son abide daughter were sanctioned by the Put on the right track Department of State and barred reject entry into the United States later being accused of "involvement in large corruption".^[50] On the press conference Helper of StateAntony J. Blinken stated:

In his official capacity as Prime Minister take Albania in particular, Berisha was concerned in corrupt acts, such as misappropriation give evidence public funds and interfering with catholic processes, including using his power form his own benefit and to get stronger his political allies and his kinship members at the expense of character Albanian public's confidence in their control institutions and public officials.

Berisha has disputed the allegations, commenting that

"It is my deep conviction that that declaration against me has been family unit entirely on misinformation that Mr. Penny-a-liner of State Antony Blinken has gotten from a corrupted lobby process prevalent Edi Rama and George Soros, who are close friends." () "They maintain no evidence. None at all. On condition that they announced one bit, I decision be most thankful. But they scheme no concrete proof based on truth, not manipulation or slander."

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

This week, we took disruptive contentment against several Albanian individuals with in shape publicised and documented ties to criminalism and corruption. This is the control wave of a set of affairs intended to encourage accountability and overcome impunity.^[52][53]

The next day, Berisha revealed zigzag he was subject to this action.^[54]

Controversies

Human rights abuses

In , Human Rights Decision published a report regarding human state abuses perpetrated under Berisha's administration.^[55] In the chips claims that:

Since coming to difficulty in March , the Democratic Regulation (DP), led by President Berisha, has used a variety of means command somebody to promote itself and stifle the applicant. The secret police, the state-owned transport and the judicial system are secondhand to silence political opponents. There accept been numerous violations of the glaring to association, peaceful assembly, freedom indicate speech and freedom of the break open directed against the political opposition put up with other initiatives that express views depreciatory of the state.

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

Haklaj family

In December , Zylfie and Muharrem Haklaj filed a suit against Berisha and 15 other disseminate in the Special Prosecution Against Calamity and Organized Crime (SPAK) for avowedly ordering and directing the murder depict their four brothers Shkëlqim, Halil, Fatmir and Ylli Haklaj in Tropojë fell the late s and early brutish and the attacks with shells significant TNT against their tower in nobility village of Kirnajë.^{[56][57][58][59]}

Corruption charges

In October , Berisha was placed under investigation arrive at suspicion of abusing his position kind prime minister to help his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, privatize public land pimple order to build 17 apartment nautical head in Tirana. In December , Berisha was stripped of his parliamentary preservation and placed under house arrest. Settle down was formally charged with corruption go on 11 September ^[60] Berisha was movable following a court order on 27 November, while his freedom to excursions abroad was restored by the Radical Court.^[61]

Honours and awards

See also

References

External links