Albania’s opposition Democratic Party (PD) has signed a staggering $6-million lobbying contract with U.S. firm Continental Strategy, a company tied to figures close to former President Donald Trump. The agreement, running for two years, aims to bolster PD’s access to American political circles and reportedly assist in challenging the U.S. “non grata” designation against party leader Sali Berisha.
According to documents obtained by Report TV, the contract was signed on April 4 by PD Secretary General Flamur Noka, with Nuredin Seci, a New York-based Albanian-American, listed as financial guarantor. The deal requires monthly payments of $250,000, after an initial $750,000 prepayment.
Continental Strategy, founded in 2021 by former U.S. ambassador Carlos Trujillo, has deep links to the Trump political network. Its leadership includes Katie Wiles, daughter of Susie Wiles, now Chief of Staff to President Trump, and former associates of Senator Marco Rubio’s team.
The lobbying firm has already initiated outreach by contacting Dan Holler, Rubio’s chief of staff, who is influential on State Department matters, including potential reviews of designations like Berisha’s.
In a statement, the Democratic Party confirmed the contract but insisted the funding would come entirely from the Albanian-American community, channeled through a newly cited foundation, “Make Albania Great Again.” The party said it bears no direct financial responsibility.
The deal has triggered official scrutiny. Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) confirmed it has opened a verification process into the lobbying contract to examine the source of funds and compliance with electoral laws.
This is PD’s second major U.S. lobbying controversy. In 2017, the party signed a $500,000 lobbying contract, which later raised red flags over undisclosed links to Russian interests, prompting FBI and Albanian investigations.
Under the new $6-million deal, Continental Strategy is tasked with strengthening PD’s ties to U.S. lawmakers, supporting pro-democracy initiatives, and offering strategic advocacy — with Berisha’s personal legal battles at the heart of the effort.
