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Mane’s empire: Power, profit and influence in the region

The Big Picture

For centuries Albania and Macedonia have faced similar challenges. Today, however, citizens in both countries are affected by toxic historical and ethnic narratives. The corrupt and controlled media landscape, along with rampant misinformation, further deepens these divisions. Unfortunately, the beneficiaries of these imposed narratives include corrupt politicians, oligarchs, and hostile foreign powers that actively undermine regional stability.

Meanwhile, the majority of citizens in both neighboring countries suffer from lost opportunities to enhance infrastructure and connectivity, which prevents them from living with dignity in Europe.

Our aim is to illustrate how delayed development due to crime, neglect, and corruption has a devastating impact on citizens’ lives. For decades, both Macedonians and Albanians have witnessed officials growing wealthier from political power and public trust. Thus, it is crucial for journalists to report on how business and personal interests influence state policies, as the intersection of these spheres often shapes a country’s physical, economic, and social landscape.

By investigating these relationships, journalists play a vital role in holding both industries and governments accountable. They expose instances where political decisions may have been compromised, ensuring transparency and providing the public with the information needed to demand fair and ethical governance. Without this oversight, corruption and backdoor dealings can flourish unchecked, undermining democratic processes and eroding public trust.

Understanding the Investigation "Shopping and Yachts - Why Not?!"

This research is the first in a series focused on cross-border flows of money and influence in Macedonia and Albania. In this initial study, we concentrated on the construction industry. While construction is typically a primary driver of economic growth, its close ties to political power can lead to conflicts of interest, corruption, and the prioritization of private profit over public welfare.

Through examples from Skopje and Vlorë of large construction projects presented as public interest initiatives, we aimed to investigate whether powerful construction companies exert undue influence on policymakers regarding decisions on urban development, public infrastructure, and land use. Such projects can result in defective or unsafe buildings, environmental degradation, misuse of public funds, and unequal access to housing and public spaces. By mapping these relationships, journalists can uncover instances where political decisions may have been compromised and whether certain deals occurred behind closed doors.

Stories

The Meatball Seller Who Became a Billionaire

Once just a humble meatball vendor, Samir Mane is now a force to be reckoned with across multiple industries. His remarkable rise has made him more than just a businessman; Mane’s connections with politicians and media outlets keep him at the forefront of power. It seems wherever there’s a government contract or a valuable friendship, Mane is swimming at the center of it all, turning opportunity into empire.

A dark glimpse into Albania’s touristic Future: The Players Behind Vlore Marina

The future of Albanian tourism is attracting a fascinating crowd: Arab tycoons, Donald Trump’s family, Albanian millionaires, a homegrown billionaire, and even a former British prime minister. But with such grand ambition comes scrutiny. Questions of corruption related to the Vlore Marina project cast a shadow over the glittering possibilities.

How the Skopje Fair, a historic and beloved icon, fell into the hands of a wealthy Albanian businessman

The sprawling "East Gate" shopping center and the luxurious apartments of "East Gate Living" were more than just feats of construction. Behind these gleaming new developments lies a political story, as Samir Mane's interests seem to align a little too conveniently with political maneuvering. The citizens of Skopje are now left paying the price—3 million euros, to be exact—for a project that some say put profit before the people.

Video

Project team

Project editor: Saska Cvetkovska

Editors: Miranda Spivack, Ivan Blazevski

Journalists: Ivan Blazevski, Bojan Stojanovski, Lindita Cela

Additional reporting: Zerijeta Jayaga, Pelagia Stojancova, David Ilieski

Video team: Vladimir Vladimirov, Borjan Stojkov, Trajce Antonovski, Gorjan Atanasov

Web design: Elena Mitrevska Cuckovska

Graphics: Luka Blazev

Communications: Denica Chadikovska, Saska Cvetkovska