Israeli political strategist David Zaikin has sharply criticized Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing his government of allowing drug money to flood Albania and enabling corruption that has benefited powerful oligarchic interests.
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The comments came in response to Rama's recent interview with the Financial Times, where the Albanian leader defended foreign investment projects and rejected accusations linking his administration to criminal networks.
In a post on the social media platform X, Zaikin said he agreed with Rama only on one point—that investment is beneficial and that the mafia has its own leadership structure. However, he argued that during Rama's years in power, large amounts of drug money have entered the Albanian economy while key sectors have fallen under the influence of a small group of powerful business interests.
"During his rule, drug money has flooded the country and some oligarchs have captured tourism, retail trade, and energy," Zaikin wrote, adding that Albania needs new leadership and a caretaker government.
His remarks follow growing public scrutiny of large-scale investment projects and ongoing anti-government protests. Demonstrators have accused the government of fostering corruption and failing to address concerns about transparency and organized crime.
In the Financial Times interview, Rama dismissed allegations made by critics and protesters, including claims that have branded him the "Godfather of Albania." The prime minister defended major development projects and argued that foreign investment should not automatically be associated with criminal activity.
Rama also stated that it is the responsibility of his opponents to prove the accusations against him, rather than his responsibility to disprove them.
Zaikin's intervention has further fueled political debate as Albania faces increasing controversy over governance, corruption allegations, economic influence, and the role of major investment projects in the country's future development.