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Shifting political alliances in one of Europe’s poorest countries
Formerly a close ally of Prime Minister Edi Rama — who will seek his fourth consecutive term in office next year after coming to power in 2013 — Meta has recently become close to Sali Berisha, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party.
Berisha, who has also fallen afoul of Albanian prosecutors and is awaiting trial on corruption charges, called Meta’s arrest “political.”
Meta says that it is not he but rather Prime Minister Rama who is corrupt, accusing his former ally of running a “kleptocratic regime.”
Ilir Meta has held numerous high-ranking positions in Albania’s government since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, being first elected as a deputy in 1992.
Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Corruption in Albania “remains an area of serious concern,” according to the EU, preventing the country from membership of the bloc.
If found guilty, Meta could serve up to 12 years behind bars.
Representatives from the Freedom Party warned that his continued detention would result in protests.
Edi Rama on Conflict Zone
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js/jsi (AFP, Reuters)
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Publish date : 2024-10-21 16:13:00
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