Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutors have launched an investigation into a $6mn lobbying contract between the opposition Democratic Party and US firm Continental Strategy, represented by Carlos Trujillo, a former lawyer for US President Donald Trump.

The Special Prosecution Against Corruption (SPAK) announced on April 27 it had opened a case to verify the source of the funds used for the contract, according to a statement quoted by local media.

The announcement came less than two weeks before the May 11 general election that will pit the Democratic Party against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s ruling Socialists. 

"We inform you the public that the Special Prosecution Office has initiated verifications regarding the lobbying contract of the political entity Democratic Party," SPAK said in the statement.

The Democratic Party said the agreement was funded by Albanian-American donors through the “Make Albania Great Again” foundation and insisted it would not bear any financial obligation, according to local media reports.

The contract’s disclosure comes amid mounting pressure on Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, who is seeking the removal of US sanctions imposed on him in 2021 for alleged "corrupt acts" under a designation by then-eecretary of state Antony Blinken.

Berisha, a former president and prime minister, claims the sanctions were politically motivated, blaming Rama for orchestrating them.

According to reports in The New York Times and HuffPost, Berisha’s efforts to have the sanctions lifted ahead of the election have been bolstered by figures close to Trump’s political circle. Chris LaCivita, co-manager of Trump’s re-election campaign, and former Trump adviser Paul Manafort reportedly visited Albania in February. Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio and Manafort associate Phil Griffin are also said to be involved in the lobbying push.

Berisha referred to this in a campaign speech on April 27, according to a transcript published by the Democratic Party. 

"We are stronger than ever, because our campaign was designed and led by the chief strategist of the most successful electoral campaign in human history, the return of President Donald Trump, Chris LaCivita," Berisha told supporters.

"He [Rama] was punched in the head the day Chris LaCivita came out to the press conference. But friends, these two days he is even more terrified, because he learned that the Democratic Party has hired President Donald Trump's lawyer as an advocate for your just causes, as an advocate for the just cause of every Albanian, for the free vote of Albanians."

Rama criticised the lobbying effort during a public appearance in the coastal city of Vlora, calling the $6mn price tag "excessive" and suggesting it far exceeds previous controversies.

"You may remember that last time, Luli [former Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha] was torn to shreds for €500,000, and he claimed that some patriots had gathered the money. But $6mn to remove the ‘non grata’ label is a lot of money not to ask where it came from," Rama said, reported Euronews Albania.

Rama added: "It is strange that earlier they told us that once Trump returned, the ‘non grata’ status would be lifted. Now, apparently, €6mn are needed with the hope that this will happen."

Berisha responded on Facebook, writing: "The Democratic Party with President Trump's lawyer on its side! While Edvini [Rama] is on the side with his gangs! They won't escape what's coming!"

With Albania's May 11 general elections approaching, the political temperature is rising. Rama and Berisha spent the weekend campaigning intensively in towns and cities across the country, with personal attacks becoming increasingly bitter both in speeches and online.

An unexpected theme of the campaign has been the use of the owl as a symbol in their war of words. Rama mocked Berisha by calling him a "swamp owl". In response, Berisha brought a white owl to a press conference, presenting it as a symbol of wisdom and intelligence, harkening back to the Ancient Greek and Roman deities Athena and Minerva.