Pristina/Belgrade, Jan 11 (dpa/gna) – The Albanian Democratic Party (PD), has expelled its most prominent co-founder, former president and prime minister Sali Berisha.
Media in Tirana reported the move, after a marathon meeting of the PD executive board that ended in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Eight other officials who, like Berisha, dispute the legitimacy of current leader Lulzim Basha, were also expelled.
The power struggle between Basha and Berisha escalated last Saturday, when thousands of Berisha’s supporters stormed the PD party headquarters. They could not get into Basha’s offices because they were blocked by additional security doors. Finally, the police used tear gas to disperse the intruders.
Berisha dominated Albania’s political landscape at the time of the transition to democracy and throughout the following 20 years. He was the country’s prime minister from 2005 to 2013.
His critics accuse him of large-scale corruption and nepotism. He is also said to have been responsible for open electoral fraud. As president (1992-1997), he was blamed for the civil war-like conflicts in the country.
Basha has headed the PD since 2013, replacing Berisha after the latter resigned from the party chairmanship following a heavy electoral defeat.
Last September, the PD expelled Berisha from its parliamentary group at Basha’s instigation. Before that, the US had imposed an entry ban on the veteran politician because of allegations of corruption.
GNA