Meta against Soros

Albania's president, day on Tuesday, denounced the municipal elections that took place Sunday as a <x0fara”, accusing left-wing philanthropy and billionaire George Soros of involvement in a “komyde”.

Ilir Meta said that Soros, a school for right-wing circles, was responsible for a <x0 plot aimed at fully apprehending the state”, this, according to the English-language Balkan Insight website. He offered no evidence to support his claims.

During a press conference Tuesday, Meta reportedly said: “I have some words for the esteemed billionaire George Soros. I did not listen attentively [the Hungarian prime minister] Victor Orban in January 2000, when I spoke lovingly of George Soros because he actually helped us when we were in opposition and [Orban] told me: Be careful because he is not very democratic and often plots against democracy“

He also addressed the international community, including the US and the European Union, calling on diplomats “not to be ridiculous and play with our Constitution”, according to Italian news agency Ansa.

Meta had earlier tried to cancel Sunday's elections, saying they would be undemocratic without the Albanian opposition's participation, which boycotted the vote.

But, Prime Minister Edi Rama of the ruling Socialist Party ordered elections Sunday for mayors, and members of the local council and his party are expected to get the majority of votes by a considerable margin. Preliminary results were received Tuesday, but were delayed.

The opposition has declared that low turnout HINA 21.6% indicated Sunday's elections were unconstitutional and illegal. International observers said the opposition's lack of participation meant the vote was considered “with little interest in electorate”.

Meta has proposed new local elections and early general elections in October, but is unlikely to be accepted by the Socialists.

Meta was elected president in 2017, but the Albanian Parliament, which is controlled by the Socialists, has put him under investigation and is seeking to remove him from office.

The centre-right opposition lawmakers gave up their seats in parliament and have led protests since mid-February, accusing the government of corruption and manipulation of votes in previous elections. Rama and his party deny the accusations.

Hungarian-American funder Soros is a regular target of several right-wing circles thanks to the funding of left-wing causes throughout Europe and the US.

Hungary's national government last year passed a “package Stop Soros” to limit his activities through Open Society Fundings, including a strict move declaring illegal organisations illegal to organise illegal immigration in the country.