In an exclusive report, A2 CNN has revealed that the Democratic Party of Albania (PD) made substantial payments totaling $1.67 million to American political strategist Chris LaCivita for consulting services during the May 11, 2025 parliamentary election campaign. The revelation sheds light on the party’s significant financial investment in international expertise in an effort to regain political influence after years in opposition.
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| Chris LaCivita shaking hands with Sali Berisha at the Electoral Campaign, May, 2025 |
Who is Chris LaCivita?
Chris LaCivita, often nicknamed “The Sheriff”, is a seasoned American political consultant well-known for his work with Republican candidates in the United States, including his role as a senior adviser to Donald Trump. His reputation as a strategist who favors aggressive, message-driven campaigns made him an attractive figure for foreign political movements looking to adopt American-style campaign tactics.
LaCivita’s presence in Albania became a major talking point during the campaign period, as he appeared at several public events and rallies alongside the leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha. During these appearances, he criticized the ruling Socialist government led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement.
Transparency Questions and Political Reactions
The news about LaCivita’s contract was not entirely new, but the exact amount and payment timeline were not previously known until A2 CNN’s report. The Socialist majority had repeatedly demanded transparency from the Democratic Party, asking for details about how much the American strategist was being paid and whether the funds were legally declared.
Political analysts in Tirana argue that the $1.67 million payment represents one of the largest campaign expenditures ever made by a political party in Albania for foreign consultancy services. The scale of the investment highlights the importance the Democratic Party placed on professional campaign management, branding, and message discipline—areas in which LaCivita is considered an expert.
However, critics have questioned whether such a large sum was appropriate for a party still facing internal divisions and financial challenges. Some within the Democratic Party itself have expressed concern that excessive spending on foreign advisors may not translate into meaningful political gains in the Albanian context, where local issues and grassroots mobilization often matter more than imported campaign strategies.
The Role of Advancing Strategies
The company receiving the funds, Advancing Strategies, is a U.S.-based consulting firm specializing in political strategy, media management, and electoral operations. Founded and managed by Chris LaCivita, the firm has a record of working with high-profile clients across different levels of American politics.
The payments made to Advancing Strategies by the Democratic Party were broken down into several tranches, suggesting that the collaboration included multiple services such as polling, media training, communication strategy, and possibly digital campaign coordination. While the exact scope of the contract has not been publicly disclosed, it is believed that LaCivita played a direct role in shaping Berisha’s public image during the campaign and advising the party on voter outreach techniques.
The Broader Political Implications
The revelation of these payments comes amid ongoing debates about foreign influence and financing transparency in Albanian politics. Although hiring foreign consultants is not illegal under Albanian law, parties are required to fully declare such transactions to the Central Election Commission.
Political observers have noted that the involvement of American consultants like LaCivita may also have been part of a strategic effort to align the Democratic Party with Western conservative networks, enhancing its image as a pro-Western force ahead of the elections.
Nevertheless, despite the high-profile assistance and considerable financial investment, the Democratic Party did not achieve a decisive victory in the 2025 elections. Analysts suggest that while LaCivita’s expertise may have modernized parts of the campaign, deeper internal divisions and limited voter trust hindered the party’s overall performance.
A2 CNN’s Findings Reinforce Calls for Transparency
The report by A2 CNN has renewed public discussion about the use of foreign funds and consultants in domestic political campaigns. Transparency advocates argue that all parties—regardless of ideology—should be subject to stricter disclosure rules and independent auditing to prevent potential misuse of campaign resources.
For the Democratic Party, this revelation may not only prompt questions from political rivals but also from supporters concerned about how the party allocates its funds. Meanwhile, Chris LaCivita’s role continues to be viewed with both admiration and skepticism—a symbol of the growing internationalization of Albanian politics.