Berisha on cabinet changes: Health ‘taken into Rama’s own hands’; new interior minister ‘cooked with the gangs’

During a conversation with followers on social media, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha commented on the recent government changes, focusing on new Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu and Interior Minister Ervin Demo.

On the Health Minister, Berisha used harshly critical language, linking her appointment to Prime Minister Edi Rama. He said he does not know the minister personally and cannot prejudge her because of family ties, but questioned placing an economist at the head of this department.

According to Berisha, healthcare is currently in a very grave state, and the appointment of the new minister is linked to what he called “the black hand of Surrel.”

“This minister who left — in her field, absolutely among the best, in imaging. And instead of being given the field where she contributed in Cambridge, contributed in New York, contributed in Rome, she was appointed minister because Edi Rama wanted to use her to steal,” Berisha said, referring to former Health Minister Evis Sala.

He then commented on the new minister, saying:

“Now can you imagine? An economist — I don’t know her at all, I cannot prejudge her because she is the prime minister’s cousin — but the problem is, how can you put an economist in charge?“

In conclusion, Berisha directed his criticism straight at Rama, declaring: “Rama has taken health into his own hands now, it’s over — she is nothing at all, she is a puppet in Surrel’s hands.”

These are Berisha’s political assessments and accusations.

In the rest of the conversation, Berisha also commented on the appointment of Ervin Demo at the helm of the Interior Ministry. The change was announced by Rama on September 11, while Demo was sworn in as minister on September 18.

Berisha linked Demo’s appointment to what he claims are ties with criminal groups, declaring:

“Demo came, cooked with Albania’s most dangerous gangs. That’s why he came there.“

He also mentioned an alleged incident from when Demo headed the Municipality of Berat and said the new minister is “tied to crime.” These, too, are accusations made by Berisha and are not presented as verified facts.

Berisha further claimed that Demo has close ties to the head of SPAK, without presenting evidence for the claim in this statement.