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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…

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 – beneath the surface, whispers of shady deals swirl, 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…

A dark glimpse into Albania’s touristic Future: The Players Behind “Vlora Marina”

Samir Mane, the richest Albanian, founder and owner of Balfin Group whose net worth is about $2 billion, in the last three years has had a successful real estate run in Albania and North Macedonia. In 2021 he constructed the East Gate shopping mall in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, after another company, ERA of Slovenia, initially won the right to the land. Mane then expanded to the coastal…

The Meatball Seller Who Became a Billionaire

Samir Mane is deeply embedded in every corner of Albania’s economic landscape. His extensive network of companies dominates markets ranging from shopping malls and supermarkets to civil engineering, tourism, real estate, renewable energy, and even banking. He and his associates own 56 companies that cover nearly every economic sector in the country. Mane also oversees a charity foundation and has been recognized for his “Special Civil Merits” in Albania and…