Berisha added that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent trip to Tirana was intended to cover up the McGonigal scandal, which he described as a matter that “will never be closed.”

Berisha criticized Antony Blinken, calling him “non grata” in the U.S. and expressing hope he will face justice, while suggesting Blinken’s recent visit to Albania was meant to cover up the McGonigal scandal.

Commenting on economic issues, Berisha said, “During my meeting with small businesses, I found them in a desperate situation. Small businesses are the main drivers of employment, and we will do everything to support them.”

“I was pleased to observe,” he continued, “that the Democratic Party’s program for small businesses, specifically the increase of the tax-free ceiling from 140,000 euros to 180,000 euros, was very well received.”

“Reduction of the price of energy from 18 lek to 6 lek, halving the water price, soft credit lines for small businesses, lowering fees for public spaces from 1500 to 120 lek, amnesty for all fines imposed on these businesses, and putting municipalities on a leash so they do not tax more than 1 percent of businesses’ turnover are some of our measures,” Berisha declared.
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